this is bbc news. i'm jane hill. the headlines at two. the prime minister visits scotland, saying it's important the uk works together in the fight against coronavirus, but the first minister had already questioned the need for the visit. me travelling from edinburgh to aberdeen to visit a vaccination centre right now is not essential and borisjohnson travelling from london to whatever in scotland he's going to do the same is not essential. and we head straight to holyrood for the scottish budget. let's hearfrom kate forbes. fill"

the scottish budget. let's hear from kate form-— the scottish budget. let's hear from kate forbes-— kate forbes. our collective fight to overcome the _ kate forbes. our collective fight to overcome the virus _ kate forbes. our collective fight to overcome the virus continues. - kate forbes. our collective fight to overcome the virus continues. the | overcome the virus continues. the exceptional circumstances require an exceptional circumstances require an exceptional response. this budget provides for continuity in our urgent work to control the virus and protect our economy and nhs while the vaccine is delivered as quickly and as safely as possible. it is not just the pandemic that has taken its toll on scotland's economy. the wrecking ball of a dismal brexit deal is compounding matters. today's budget will help to bring much—needed support and stability to ensure our economy recovers and we protect those who have been hit the hardest. ourapproach protect those who have been hit the hardest. our approach continues to target support in the immediate term as well as tracking a course over the coming year to build a fairer, stronger and greener economy. fundamentally, it focuses on three key priorities. creating jobs and investing in sustainable recovery, responding to the health pandemic and tackling inequalities. this is a

time of great fiscal uncertainty in the absence of a uk budget full stop much of the information we need to plan with certainty is missing. we must persevere with a budget based on a partial settlement, left waiting until the uk budget to see the full hand being dealt to us. i have repeatedly welcomed the additional covid funding largely borrowed provided by the uk government. i do so again. but i also have a duty as finance secretary to make the case forcefully when i believe more is required. there is £21 billion sitting in the uk covid reserve. our share of that funding would help meet the ongoing needs of our businesses, our nhs and other public services and in the interests of providing certainty and based on the balance of consequential received to date, i have made a prudent funding assumption and allocated £500 million against what we expect to float as from that covid reserve next year. this will help make the budget process more transparent and

aid parliamentary scrutiny of our funding decisions. i have written to the chancellor this week setting out the chancellor this week setting out the scottish government's priorities for the uk budget and seeking clarity and fix ability on several matters of importance to scotland. presiding officer, given the particular interaction between this year's and next year's budget i will touch on the 2021 position as we approach financial year end. last year, i set out how covid funding was being delivered in full. following a assessment of the latest position and confirmation of an additional £400 of consequential funding, i have already confirmed further 2020—21 funding of £300 million for business support including payments from the strategic framework business funds to the end of this year, one of top ups for the grant to hospitality businesses, comparable support for island services and increased funds for the taxi and wedding services fund. there is also education recovery and £30 million for

university student hardship. 0n university student hardship. on monday, councils paid out millions in framework funding and sector top ups significantly more than the figures published earlier this month. since boxing day, payments have been made to tens of thousands of businesses that builds on the 383 businesses awards made since the beginning of the pandemic valued at over £2.3 billion. alongside that, we are filling the gaps in support through specific funding for taxi drivers, brewers, travel agents, indoor football clubs, events and a variety of businesses in the wedding sector from florist to photographers. i realise businesses will continue to require support and one certainty about the future. i can confirm today that the strategic framework business fund will continue to support businesses beyond the end of this financial year should funding from the uk government be forthcoming. i can confirm two further measures. 0ne, government be forthcoming. i can confirm two further measures. one, a doubling of the discretionary fund

for local parties to 60 million funds segment pounds to distribute as they wish and a commitment to pay feghouli grants as level four irrespective of what levels are confirmed over the next month. —— february grants. last year, the scottish government and because they agreed the details of a scheme that estimated at £90 million would compensate councils for the loss of income from sales, fees and charges due to the pandemic. today, i am increasing that allocation to £200 million for top when added to the 49 no impound previous the announced, the total support for councils losses this year is now up to an additional £249 million. i am writing today to the finance and constitution committee with the full 2020-21 constitution committee with the full 2020—21 allocation details which confirms that every single penny has been allocated. yesterday's gdp figures show that as a result of the restrictions we have had to put in place to control the virus, our

economy is now 7.1% smaller than it was pre—covid 19. well over the same period, the uk economy has shrunk by 8.5%. we have largely tracked the rest of the uk economy over the course of the pandemic with a negligible difference in labour market and gdp statistics, but yesterday's figures suggest a widening gap in the impact on the scottish and uk economies. the scottish and uk economies. the scottish fiscal committee's forecast published today show a difficult outlook. the current lockdown restrictions to suppress the new covid variant will look as likely reversal of the fragile economic recovery seen in the summer with gdp forecasts to fall in the first quarter. the vaccine roll—out and anticipated easing of measures mean the economy is expected to return to growth across 2021—22 as a whole, yet the commission still expects longer term damage and does not expect gdp to return to pre—pandemic

levels until 2024. the ffc also forecast unemployment to increase to 7.6% in quarter two this year. in line with currently announced uk government policy, that forecast is based on the assumption that thejob retention scheme ends at the end of april without a replacement scheme. i do not underestimate either the cost or the benefit of thejob retention scheme, but it is a stark reminder that if it end prematurely, the impact onjobs reminder that if it end prematurely, the impact on jobs and livelihoods will be severe, so the chancellor must extend thejob retention scheme and he must do so before the uk budget in march to give employers sufficient time to plan ahead because good jobs and viable businesses depend on this. members will note that the projections published today take into account the current period of lockdown. the most recent uk projection is from november and does not reflect the current lockdown is across the uk.

that timing difference will inevitably cause some challenges for our budget through the fiscal framework, however, as richard hughes from the 0b are said to the finance committee yesterday, uk gdp fell by less than expected in november, suggesting we have become better adapted to dealing with lockdown conditions, but the latest restrictions will inevitably have a risk statement impact on the economy. the updated projection for scotland sees growth fall in the first quarter of this year whilst the 0b r had been forecasting growth in its november publication. this difference does not reflect a difference does not reflect a difference in our underlying economic performance, but rather differences in timing and will likely disappear when new or br projections are published in march. but it does mean that the technical conditions under the fiscal framework for the release of additional reserve and borrowing flexibilities following an economic shock have been met. the uk government has confirmed the flexibilities are now available to me and i will use them to support

our recovery from covid—19. these extra flex abilities are welcome, although they are constrained and temporary. they do not change the fact that the scottish government cannot borrow at its own hand to fund spending in response to covid—19 or support the economy —like countries around the world have done. this is a time for certainty and stability and helping businesses and households as far as we can. with limited resources, we must target those who need our help the most. i am delivering that stability and certainty that taxpayers need with targeted support for individuals and businesses most impacted. this is a package of tax measures which will support our recovery and renewal. significant changes to scottish income tax were implemented in 2018—19 to deliver a fairer and more progressive five band system. that structure will remain unchanged with the starter basic and higher rates all

increasing by inflation. the top rate threshold will remain frozen at £150,000. this will see all scottish taxpayers face like the less income taxpayers face like the less income tax next year than they will this year based on their current income. in addition to this, a majority will continue to pay less income tax than if they lived in other parts of the uk. alongside record investment in public services, that is a key part of making scotland an attractive place to live and work. on land and building transactions tax, a temporary change to the residential nil rate band introduced injuly supported the housing market at a difficult time and contributed to our robust recovery throughout the year—to—date. the housing market reopened injune and has continued to operate uninterrupted since. that change was always meant to be temporary. the ceiling of the nil rate band will return to £145,000 from the beginning of april as intended with no other changes to rates and band. first—time buyer relief will remain in place saving

first—time buyers up to £600 and meaning that an estimated eight out of ten first—time buyers will pay no tax at all. the additional dwelling supplement rate will remain at 4%, however, recognising the long—standing calls for change, we intend to consult early in the next parliament on reforms to the ads. nonresidential lb tt rates and bands remain unchanged and finally on scottish landfall tax, the standard rate of scottish landfill tax will rise to £96 70p per tonne and the lower rate to £3.10 per tonne. at a time when the people of scotland are dealing with a significant economic and social impacts of the pandemic, these policies deliver certainty and stability. based on the most up—to—date forecasts from the sfc and the 0pr, the net contribution from devolved taxes in 2021—22 to the scottish budget will be £539 million. in addition to this, we

have used our limited borrowing and reserve powers to their maximum effect, in total, that means the scottish budget will be over £1.7 billion bigger than it otherwise would have been. we have always been rightly proud of the world—class care provided by our nhs but during the pandemic, in the toughest circumstances imaginable, our inspirational nhs workers have worked tirelessly. when the history of this pandemic is written, our nhs and social care staff will be recognised as the undisputed heroes that they are. and i sure i speak for everyone in this chamber and in the country, in fact, when i offer them our heartfelt thanks. to support their efforts in 2021—22, we will invest over £16 billion in the health and sport portfolio and increase over £800 million to the core budget and an additional £869 million to support a response to covid—19 including vaccinations and

test and protect. that includes investment in primary care of £1.9 billion. it will bring our total investment in social care and integration to over £883 million in 2021-22. i want integration to over £883 million in 2021—22. i want to draw attention to two critical elements of the health budget. the first is that we will provide £145.3 million funding next yearfor provide £145.3 million funding next year for alcohol and provide £145.3 million funding next yearfor alcohol and drugs, an year for alcohol and drugs, an increase yearfor alcohol and drugs, an increase of £50 million on this year specifically for our national mission to reduce drugs deaths as part of our five year £250 million commitment. secondly, we know the pandemic has taken a huge toll on mental health and so next year's investment in mental health will exceed £1.1 billion. this will underpin our continued approach to improving mental health services and support for children, young people and adults including child and adolescent mental health services.

the social harms of covid—19 have exacerbated poverty and inequality, highlighting the importance of driving progress towards our statutory targets to reduce and ultimately eradicate child poverty by 2030. we are delivering a direct programme of action to meet those targets across 2018—2022, backed by the £50 million tackling child poverty fund which this budget confirms we will deliver in full. the ambitious use of our new welfare powers to tackle child poverty include significant investment in our game changing scottish child payment of an expected £68 million next year with payments starting next year with payments starting next month, part of a total of almost £3.6 billion for social security. 0ur public sector pay policy will continue its progressive and restorative approach, focused on addressing low pay. the uk government's illjudged pay freeze has a material impact on our block

grant within which we must balance rewards and affordability of public sector pay. we will continue to adopt the real living wage, applying the increased rate of £9 50 per hour, guaranteeing a minimum 3% increase for those on salaries up to £25,000 via a £750 cash underpin with those on higher salaries receiving a 1% rise capped at £800 above 80,000. negotiations are under way in our nhs on the future of agenda for change and i will work with the cabinet secretary for health to deliver for our nhs workforce. the most enduring way to tackle inequality and break the intergenerational poverty cycle is, of course, through education. in 2021-22, we of course, through education. in 2021—22, we will provide £2.7 billion across the education and skills budget to deliver on this ambition alongside the significant funding for education delivered

through the local government settlement. that includes almost £1.9 billion for the scottish funding council to fund our university and college sector, including £700 million for colleges and over £1.1 billion for universities. it is vital that we continue to invest strongly in our world—class institutions and provide students with the best opportunities. turning tojustice, opportunities. turning to justice, the opportunities. turning tojustice, the budget provide significant extra funding to help deal with the backlog in criminaljustice caseloads caused by the pandemic. we will provide a total funding settlement of £1.3 billion for the scottish police authority including an uplift of £60 million in the resource budget, surpassing our commitment to providing £100 million boost by 2021 and eliminating the deficit in the police budget. keeping public transport options open remains vital to our recovery, backed by investment of over £1.6 billion across a bus and rail

services. that will help to ensure a viable alternative to private transport for more people, further reducing our reliance on cars, providing a cleaner form reducing our reliance on cars, providing a cleanerform of reducing our reliance on cars, providing a cleaner form of mass transport in addition to promoting the wide benefits of our 20 minute neighbourhood ambitions for top we will also deliver and national concessionary travel scheme for free bus travel for under 19 is in the coming year. and we will continue to support transformational change to our streetscapes with a five year commitment to maintain the active travel budget at a record high of £100.5 million per year. i said earlier that local government had been at the forefront of our response to covid and i remain extremely grateful to local government colleagues, many of whom have worked night and day to manage grant funding, welfare support and maintain statutory services throughout lockdown. we will make available to local government a total funding

available to local government a totalfunding package available to local government a total funding package amounting to £11.6 billion for 2021—22 including a £245.6 million increase in core revenue funding and an additional £259 million of non—recurring covid funding. that is a total additional revenue funding of more than half £1 billion. within that, the settlement includes additional funding of £59 million to complete the expansion of early learning and childcare to 1140 hrs, investment in health and social care and £7.7 million to support the interisland ferries in shetland, 0rkney and argyll and pete, meeting their revenue ask in full as well as expanding the timetable and are et on 0rkney�*s interisland ferries. the settlement also allows councils to join us in financially supporting households who will undoubtedly be

struggling as a result of the social and economic impacts of the pandemic. just as we have chosen not to increase tax rates, ensuring people pay no more than last year, i have taken the significant step of offering funding to councils who choose to freeze council tax, providing financial reassurance to families who are struggling. that additionalfunding is equivalent families who are struggling. that additional funding is equivalent to £90 million for councils or a 3% rise with inflation at 0.5% and that more than fully compensate local authorities who choose to freeze council tax. that takes the increase for core revenue services to 335.6 in pounds and when added to the non—recurring covid funding of £259 million provides a total increase for local government of £594.6

million in 2021—22. i have also confirmed a further increase of £110 million over previously announced plans for the lost income scheme for local government. presiding officer, while the pandemic�*s profound effect on our economy requires constant support, it also requires us to plan and deliver a strong, fair and green recovery in the long—term. the future of our public services depends on the resilience and the strength of our economy and so, if this budget must achieve anything, it must set the groundwork for economic recovery. today, i set out a plan to deliver that, a plan which provides for ongoing business support, tackle unemployment, helps businesses emerge stronger and invests in long—term growth. leadership matters and our enterprise agencies must have the resources they require to play a

leading role in the recovery. the collective resource budget for the three enterprise agencies in the highlands, south of scotland and across scotland will increase by more than 12%. the budget builds on the significant package of labour market interventions with a total investment of £1.1 billion in employability and skills support. that includes an initial additional investment of £125 million for the young persons guarantee, the national transition training fund and broader skill and employability support. the young persons guarantee will help achieve our ambition that within two years, every young person will have the opportunity to study, to take up an apprenticeship, a job or work experience or participate in formal volunteering. today's budget allocates to skills developed in scotland to work with partners across this vital agenda and it also sees the launch of the first phase

of our five year £100 million green jobs fund and a commitment to establish a greenjobs jobs fund and a commitment to establish a green jobs work fund academy. across scotland, we will invest over £230 million to ensure that our diverse and evolving cultural heritage is valued, nurtured and celebrated, protecting thousands ofjobs in the culture and heritage sectors. residing officer, we must invest for growth. the other structure investment plan which will be published in full next week, we'll outline a pipeline of projects that drive scotland's resilience, driving inclusive net zero and sustainable growth. the plan will be key to the success of the national mission forjobs, offering a robust pipeline of work that will help stimulate the green recovery providing good jobs, stimulating supply change and building market confidence. the capital spending review will set out budgets for five years, confirming that we will deliver our national infrastructure mission in full to increase annual

investment in infrastructure by £1.5 billion by 2025's supporting full—time equivalentjobs across the period. these efforts are enhanced by the work of the scottish national investment bank which we will capitalise with £2 billion with over 200 million for investment in 2021-22. next 200 million for investment in 2021—22. next year, we will provide funding of £210 million for cities investments and strategy and that will continue our work with regional partners to progress all gales not yet in delivery with the aim of including full for all regions, urban and rural by the end of 2022. covid has underlined the requirement for a safe and affordable home and our homes will also now be somewhere many of us work from. we are providing more than £800 million for housing in the budget, building on our achievement of having delivered almost 97,000 affordable homes since

2007, i am allocating funding of more than £711 million to the affordable housing supply programme. capital investment will inject confidence in our economy, but it will also help to meet our statutory commitments to be a net zero society by 2045. our carbon taxonomy shows nearly 37% or over £1.9 billion of our capital investment is low—carbon and as we look to glasgow hosting the cop26, we want to inspire global action and show that scotland is a world leader in green and renewable technologies. the programme for government and our recent climate change plan update together outlined a £2 billion low—carbon fund over the next parliament, central to which is investment of over £1.6 billion in heat and energy efficiency in our homes and buildings. through the fund, we will also begin a five year £50 million

programme of investment to regenerate scotland's vacant and derelict land. that will help put abandoned land to use across our communities. this includes creating community gardens to nurture well—being, provide localfood well—being, provide local food supply well—being, provide localfood supply and improve biodiversity or creating space for community renewables projects, low—carbon affordable harvesting, urban farms, woodland and green spaces. i strongly believe in investing in economic recovery in every part of the country including rural areas. recognising the acute impact of the pandemic on our rural communities, we will double the rural tourism infrastructure funds helping tourist attractions and communities make improvements to cope with increased visitors. 0ur £801 million investment in agricultural support will offer much—needed stability to ourfarmers, crofters, land managers and help ensure the agricultural

sector plays a leading role in our transition to net zero. 0ver sector plays a leading role in our transition to net zero. over the next five years, and additional £150 million has been allocated for woodlands and forestry through the low—carbon fund, supporting a 50% increase in tree—planting and woodland creation from 12,000 hectares this year to 18,000 hectares this year to 18,000 hectares by the middle of the decade. 0ur peatland restoration spend will increase by 10% as part of a ten year £250 million commitment. digital conductivity was important pre—pandemic, but now as a result of the changes in how we work, shop and socialise due to covid, it is absently fundamental to our future prosperity. covid, it is absently fundamental to ourfuture prosperity. the review i commissioned from mark logan has provided an industry led blueprint to establish scotland as a world—class hub for tech start—ups which has widely drawn acclaim. to help deliver that agenda, we are investing £7 billion next year and to bring more people into the

digital world, we will invest almost £100 million in digital connectivity. that includes funding for our reaching 100% programme and improve mobile coverage through delivery of 4g and 5g infrastructure, ensuring no part of scotland is excluded. the last piece of the plan to support businesses and to drive economic recovery is our policy on nondomestic rates. i know how crucial this year's targeted 100% relief from nondomestic rates has been to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. the extension of this relief to avoid a cliff edge in support was the number—one ask of businesses. the absence of clarity on uk government ntr policy has undermined our ability to continue this relief. i have been clear that the only way i can that relief in full is if there is additional funding from the uk government. the uk spending review provided £11.5

million as a result of ntr policy decisions, contrasted with the over £900 million it would cost to extend the relief, those consequential are entirely insufficient. however, i cannot and will not leave scottish businesses trying to plan without certainty. i am committing now to extend the 100% relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses for a further three months into 2021-22, for a further three months into 2021—22, funded from the money reimbursed by supermarkets and other retailers. i continue to urge the uk government to bring forward an extension to their equivalent relief and, should they do so, i will use the funding generated to match their extension. together with other reliefs including the expanded fresh start scheme to incentivise the use of empty buildings and the small business bonus scheme, we are offering a total relief package worth almost £1 billion in this

budget and there is still more i want to do to help our businesses. the uk and the welsh governments have frozen their nondomestic rates poundage. i do not intend to do the same. instead, in an unprecedented step, in a non—revaluation year, i am reducing it to 49p. that will be the lowest poundage available anywhere in the uk, saving ratepayers over £120 million compared to previously published plans. let nobody doubts, this is a government that listens and acts when it is most needed. residing officer, we have been through so much as a country. our recovery may be long and it will be hard and we cannot guarantee that there will not be more tough times ahead, but throughout these dark times, we have never given up hope for a better future, a healthier, greener, fairer society and now with large—scale vaccination focused firstly on the most vulnerable, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. this

budget seeks to build on that hope and by focusing on how we continue to protect, to recover, to rebuild and to protect our country, it seeks to make the light at the end of that tunnel shine that little bit brighter. thank you. applause the cabinet secretary will now take questions on the statement and i can allow around 60 minutes for that. with those members who wish to ask a question— with those members who wish to ask a question please press the to speak buttons— question please press the to speak buttons and first, murdo fraser. can i thank b buttons and first, murdo fraser. (1531 i thank by thanking the cabinet secretary for the statement and from these benches can i congratulate her on the recent happy news of her engagement. it is good to see her recognising the benefits of being in a union. presiding officer, a review

is very clear, that we need today a budget that focuses 100% on managing the pandemic and the economic recovery thereafter. we will measure all the announcements in the budget today against the essential test of whether they will assist efforts in that respect and then particular help protectjobs and safeguard our economy over the coming year, and we will reject any plans to waste precious resources, money or time in campaigning for another divisive independence referendum. we need a budget that is about building up, not breaking up. presiding officer, the background to this budget is that the scottish government has seen unprecedented support from the uk treasury over the past year. we have a guaranteed additional minimum spend of £8.6 billion to protect the nhs and individuals and businesses across scotland. that of courses in addition to the billions of direct

support being provided through the furlough scheme and other treasury initiatives. and with all that money it is essential that the scottish government to get the door to needy businesses and then the videos across scotland who have been crying out for it. and that support carries forward next year with an additional £1.3 billion to help manage the pandemic and a 1.1 billion increase for the general budget in the coming year. even without additional covid resources the budget for the coming year will be the highest in the history of devolution giving the scottish government more money to spend than at any previous point in history and all of this is possible through the broad shoulders of the uk government supporting people, businesses and public services of scotland in these challenging times. and unlike governments in so many places in the world, the scottish government has its income protected through the fiscal framework meaning that so long as tax revenues in scotland perform in line with those elsewhere in the uk, there will be

no cuts in the budget required. coming to the detail of the budget for the coming year, we have been very clear that there should be no new income tax rises. consumer spending following the easing of restrictions will be a major driver in future economic growth and any major increases were told that recovery back. and then that respect the announcements today in income tax are welcome. we are only at the first stage in the budget process. we need to see covid support provided for businesses into next year. we need assurances that relevant business grants will continue for as long as restrictions remain in force and we need to see a guarantee that the existing 100% rates relief for leisure, hospitality and tourism and retail businesses will continue, notjust for three months but for 12 months. the scottish government has been given the funds already to make that happen and that should be an absolute priority for their budget. we know the pandemic has put further

strain on our councils as many individuals, families and businesses have become dependent on council services. we have set out our view that we need to see fair funding for our councils so they receive a set proportion of the scottish government's budget. for years the snp have underfunded local government to finance their own priorities so to start the process to move to fairer funding we need to see the percentage increase in local government finance for next year at least match the scottish government's own budget increase and then relation to what is announced todayit then relation to what is announced today it appears to fall short of that. and finally this is not the time to waste government resources on the preparation of another independence referendum bill. all government resources need to be devoted to tackling the pandemic and its economic consequences, not wasted on constitutional division. this budget process is a chance for the scottish government to put aside its party political priorities and act in the national interest. that

will be the test of whether this budget delivers for scotland. i thank murdo fraser for his kind thank murdo fraserfor his kind wishes at the beginning of a statement. in terms of talking about wasting time, i am standing here delivering a budget investing £1.1 billion in schools, £6 million in capital infrastructure and money for welfare payments. meanwhile his leader is breaking the spirit of the rules and essential travel to do what? make the case apparently for the union because he is running scared after poll after poll shows support for independence. but in terms of the substance, i said in my statement that i was grateful for the additional funding. statement that i was grateful for the additionalfunding. financially, the additional funding. financially, the additionalfunding. financially, the uk government has engineered our dependency and reliance on them by denying us reasonable borrowing powers, and it is insulting people's intelligence to suggest scotland couldn't borrow, like every other country around the world, to intervene. if the tories want to

claim full responsibility for economic intervention then they also need to take responsibility for delivering and delays to furlough, the huge delays to nondomestic rates relief and the potential to see increased unemployment in april if furlough is not extended. the last point was around the additional funding and there is £1.3 billion that has been confirmed in the uk spending review. that is to cover health, transport and jobs. we know the extension to nondomestic rates relief for a full year would cost £9 billion. the uk government is currently sitting on £21 billion of an ounce but undistributed covid funding and so have the tories want to provide that relief for a full year then they should ask the party leaders, and as soon as i have confirmation i will extend nondomestic rates relief. well, we

are going to leave that they're in holyrood for now and we will talk about it much more over the course of the afternoon butjust let me tell you, if you'd like to continue watching the entirety of that session you can do so, please switch to the bbc scotland to watch that on iplayer, so that is available if you would like to continue watching that on iplayer and we will talk more about everything that kate forbes was announcing their over the course of the afternoon. also of course borisjohnson has been in scotland this morning and we will be discussing that as well so that is all coming up after 3pm. right now we will talk about the science of coronavirus in the latest figures because scientist tracking the spread say they're disappointed that infections are not coming down enough to help ease the on the nhs with demand for critical care beds still rising. the latest study by

imperial college london shows a decline in the infection rate in london, the south—east and the south—west but there are signs of a slight rise in the east midlands. 0ur health correspondent catherine the costa has the details. shut up shop, empty classrooms, life on hold. three weeks into the latest national lockdown and many want to know when it will all be over. there are now some signs things may be going on the right direction. imperial college has published full results for its survey. it gathered a random sample of swabs from more than 168,000 volunteers in england and found one in 64 had the virus over that period. it suggests infections are largely falling or plateauing in most regions except for the east midlands. rates are still highest in east london and amongst 13 to 24—year—olds. the amongst 13 to 24-year-olds. the prevalence _ amongst 13 to 24-year-olds. the prevalence of _ amongst 13 to 24-year-olds. the prevalence of so _ amongst 13 to 24—year—olds. the prevalence of so high and the pressure _ prevalence of so high and the pressure on the health service so hi-h pressure on the health service so high that— pressure on the health service so

high that it — pressure on the health service so high that it is really important we -et high that it is really important we get these — high that it is really important we get these rates down as quickly as we possibly can, and so we have got a hint_ we possibly can, and so we have got a hint in_ we possibly can, and so we have got a hint in the — we possibly can, and so we have got a hint in the last seven days that things— a hint in the last seven days that things are — a hint in the last seven days that things are now moving in the right direction _ things are now moving in the right direction but not fast enough so we now have _ direction but not fast enough so we now have to— direction but not fast enough so we now have to do more.— direction but not fast enough so we now have to do more. there has been some progress _ now have to do more. there has been some progress. daily— now have to do more. there has been some progress. daily case _ now have to do more. there has been some progress. daily case numbers i some progress. daily case numbers are falling. 70% of swab results were returned in 24 hours up from just over 50% last week. contact tracing has remained stable with just under 70% of close contacts reached and asked to isolate. the vaccine roll—out continues to be ramped up. this is one of 1400 vaccination sites in england. more than 7 million of the most vulnerable have had their first dose and despite supply issues the government says it is still confident it can offer vaccines for 15 million by mid february but scientists say the roll—out needs to be worldwide, notjust in the uk. there is only one answer to all of this and that is to drive down

transmission, to keep it low and to make these vaccines available globally, otherwise we will see new variants coming up, new strains of this virus which will come back to all other countries, and not now but at some point in the future may escape these amazing tools of vaccination.— escape these amazing tools of vaccination. health officials say vaccinations _ vaccination. health officials say vaccinations won't _ vaccination. health officials say vaccinations won't relieve - vaccination. health officials say - vaccinations won't relieve pressure on the nhs in the short term. while the number of covid patients in hospitals is starting to fall there is still huge demand nicu. critical care beds and more than a third of hospitals are more than 95% full despite 50% more being added since november. the more contagious uk variant means stopping the spread of the viruses that much harder. restrictions and social distancing are likely to be with us for some time to come. the government has insisted there will be no interruption to uk vaccine supplies from astrazeneca, after the european union demanded doses from the british allocation, in a row about shortages.

the shortfall in supplies to the eu, which astrazeneca blames on �*teething problems', could be as many as 75 million doses. the eu commission has confirmed that officials in belgium have been investigating an astrazeneca site near brussels, to corroborate claims that there have been problems with production there. nick beake reports from brussels. europe is really struggling to get hold of covid jabs, especially in spain. in madrid they have had to cancel nearly all vaccines for nearly a week. in strasbourg big delays in protecting people. translation: there is a real feeling of frustration. - there is a very strong demand and an organisation here and ready but we cannot go to full capacity because there is a lack of vaccines. it is set to get even worse. the european union claims one supplier, astrazeneca, will be delivering 75 million fewer doses than promised over the next two months.

the eu is demanding thatjabs made in the uk are devoted to mainland europe to make up the shortfall. when asked about that idea one senior british minister said there should be no disruption to british supplies. it is the case that the supplies which have been paid for and scheduled should continue, absolutely. there will be no interruption to that. but again the right approach to take with ourfriends in europe is to make sure that we foster a cooperative dialogue to see how we can do everything we can to help. the eu is now investigating if astrazeneca jabs made in mainland europe have already been sent to britain. it insists it must receive its fair share. we can and will get doses of the vaccine from the series of plants which are mentioned

in the contract including those in the united kingdom. the eu and astrazeneca say they are working more closely together to try to sort this out but there are still many specific unanswered questions swirling around. there are plenty of legal and moral arguments being made. what health experts say is the last thing we need is so called vaccine nationalism, that this is the time for countries to cooperate to get out of the pandemic as quickly as possible. vaccine specialists point out increasing production of new products is not an easy business. we are used to seeing delays in complex construction projects similar to this, vaccine production is much more complex than anything we have ever done in the world before, so it is completely natural to have these delays. this row between the uk and the eu is farfrom being resolved. europe is the engine of the global vaccine making process and countries further afield are asking how these arguments and delays will affect them as well.

a 53—year—old man from kent has been arrested after a suspicious package was sent to a warehouse in wrexham where the astrazeneca vaccine is manufactured. the site was partially evacuated whilst a bomb squad was sent in to investigate a suspicious package yesterday. kent police say there is no evidence to suggest there is an ongoing threat. the government is being urged to do more to encourage people from minority ethnic backgrounds to have a covid vaccination. a study from oxford university and the london school of hygiene and tropical medicine shows that black people over the age of 80 are half as likely to get the vaccine as their white counterparts. here's our community affairs correspondent adina campbell. carmen reed was 79 when she died in november last year after becoming infected with coronavirus while in hospital in birmingham. her niece says the grief of losing

a close family member was the main reason why she decided to have the vaccine last week. she was somebody that i spoke to on the phone, you know, nearly every two weeks. and within a few... a week or so, she was just taken. so, that did affect me and it probably affected the family. you realise how... you know, how fragile life is. people from black, asian and other ethnic minority groups are up to four times more likely to die from coronavirus than white people. despite the risks, research suggests confidence in the vaccine is lower within these communities. there are a number of reasons why some people from black and asian backgrounds seem to be more hesitant about taking the vaccine but one thing we hear time and time again

is about a lack of trust. campaigners say the government must take more action, by looking closely at ethnicity data, to understand the vaccine take up among these groups. this concept of hesitancy, we've alljumped onto it only a small proportion have been offered the vaccine. without the data showing who has taken it up we are going to struggle to understand what is going on. the government says it's working closely with black, asian and minority ethnic communities who have questions about covid—19 vaccines, which includes working with faith and community leaders to give them advice and information about the benefits of vaccination. we understand the fears, the anxieties and the confusion... black mps from all parties have now come together in this video, hoping to spread the vaccination message on social media. adina campbell, bbc news.

and we'll be talking more about that story in next hour. a team from the world health organization has come out of quarantine in china and is to begin on the ground investigations into the origins of coronavirus in the city of wuhan. the scientists will begin interviewing people from research institutes, hospitals and the seafood market linked to the initial outbreak. officials from the chinese government and the who spoke on the phone this morning, about the response to outbreaks of infectious diseases. 0ur china correspondent stephen mcdonnell is in wuhan. we've been following the team around and today they left their quarantine hotel and went to another hotel where, from now on, they will be able to sit down with a team of their chinese counterparts and have face—to—face discussions about the origins of the coronavirus. i think there is been a bit of a

misunderstanding amongst many people that this international team is going to be doing a lot of its own research to find out what caused the coronavirus. that is not really what is going to happen. what they are doing as they are seeing what the chinese scientists have already done and wondering, where are the holes in our knowledge, and possibly in the future authorising brother studies to be done to chase down what started the coronavirus. what they want to be doing is in two weeks coming out and telling us, we have found it, we know it has caused it! they are telling us it will take a long time and it is a very complicated matter. basically everybody just complicated matter. basically everybodyjust has complicated matter. basically everybody just has to complicated matter. basically everybodyjust has to wait. another thing they want to be doing is looking at the lab leak theory. they say in their view that is a conspiracy area and they will be focusing much more on the possibility that the virus came from, say, bat into another animal and then into human beings. the

biggest task for the chinese and international teams is to get above the politics to really focus on the data and chase down the science to attempt to answer this question that the whole world wants to know on what caused the coronavirus. nearly1 in 3 police officers in england and wales have reported having coronavirus used against them as a weapon. 32% of officers who replied to a police federation survey said someone they believed to be infected had threatened to breathe or cough on them. this from our home affairs correspondent daniel sandford. this is the first published survey, the largest published survey, of what _ the largest published survey, of what it — the largest published survey, of what it has been like to police the pandemic — what it has been like to police the pandemic. it is a survey of members of the _ pandemic. it is a survey of members of the police — pandemic. it is a survey of members of the police federation of england and wales, so that its constables, sergeants — and wales, so that its constables, sergeants and inspectors in england and wales. they managed to get responses from one in ten officers

in england — responses from one in ten officers in england and wales saw a very large _ in england and wales saw a very large sample size, so what they discovered is that police officers who have — discovered is that police officers who have been out on the front line in the _ who have been out on the front line in the pandemic, 32% of them had experienced a situation where someone _ experienced a situation where someone who they thought had the virus had _ someone who they thought had the virus had threatened to breathe or cough _ virus had threatened to breathe or cough on — virus had threatened to breathe or cough on them, 30% had experienced someone _ cough on them, 30% had experienced someone threatening to spit on them, and 21% _ someone threatening to spit on them, and 21% said _ someone threatening to spit on them, and 21% said someone had actually tried to _ and 21% said someone had actually tried to spit on them. there has also _ tried to spit on them. there has also been — tried to spit on them. there has also been some mental health issues. for example two out of every five officers _ for example two out of every five officers in — for example two out of every five officers in the six months during which _ officers in the six months during which the — officers in the six months during which the survey had been taken was at some _ which the survey had been taken was at some point in the same place as somebody— at some point in the same place as somebody who had died from natural causes _ somebody who had died from natural causes 0f— somebody who had died from natural causes. of course, many of them people _ causes. of course, many of them peopie who — causes. of course, many of them people who had died from covid—19. very often— people who had died from covid—19. very often police officers have been attending _ very often police officers have been attending where people died from covid-19 — attending where people died from covid—19 at home. the survey also asked _ covid—19 at home. the survey also asked police officers whether they had actually had covid—19. 3% had had actually had covid—19. 3% had had a _ had actually had covid—19. 3% had had a positive test but it found

that 23% — had a positive test but it found that 23% said they believed, either because _ that 23% said they believed, either because of their own suspicion or medical— because of their own suspicion or medical advice, that they had had covid-i9~ — medical advice, that they had had covid—19. in the early days of the pandemic— covid—19. in the early days of the pandemic it was not possible for everyone — pandemic it was not possible for everyone to have a test, and many officers _ everyone to have a test, and many officers feet— everyone to have a test, and many officers feel that they did get the virus _ officers feel that they did get the virus in _ officers feel that they did get the virus in those early days of the pandemic _ virus in those early days of the pandemic. beyond the coronavirus itself, _ pandemic. beyond the coronavirus itself, police officers also reporting the attempts to attack them _ reporting the attempts to attack them in — reporting the attempts to attack them in the last year. 55% said they had suffered an unarmed attack, 19% said they— had suffered an unarmed attack, 19% said they had suffered an attack with what could have been a lethal weapon _ the uk passed the grim milestone of 100,000 deaths with coronavirus earlier this week. and for some who survive the virus, the struggle isn't over, as it can take very many months to get over its effects. 0ur correspondent tim muffett has been speaking to people facing a long road to recovery. they turned round and said to me you

are very, very ill with covid—19. they told my kids that i wasn't going — they told my kids that i wasn't going to — they told my kids that i wasn't going to make it. as they told my kids that i wasn't going to make it.— they told my kids that i wasn't going to make it. as ali notes, survivin: going to make it. as ali notes, surviving covid _ going to make it. as ali notes, surviving covid is _ going to make it. as ali notes, surviving covid is one - going to make it. as ali notes, surviving covid is one thing - going to make it. as ali notes, j surviving covid is one thing but fully recovering is very different. at the moment i am finding if i am going— at the moment i am finding if i am going to— at the moment i am finding if i am going to dress, i cannot dress myself, — going to dress, i cannot dress myself, i_ going to dress, i cannot dress myself, i can't go up the stairs, i can't _ myself, i can't go up the stairs, i can't cooic — myself, i can't go up the stairs, i can't cook. ni myself, i can't go up the stairs, i can't cook-— myself, i can't go up the stairs, i can't cook. �* , , ., ., :: :: can't cook. ali spent more than 200 da s in can't cook. ali spent more than 200 days in hospital _ can't cook. ali spent more than 200 days in hospital last _ can't cook. ali spent more than 200 days in hospital last year _ can't cook. ali spent more than 200 days in hospital last year after - days in hospital last year after being admitted in april. i days in hospital last year after being admitted in april.- days in hospital last year after being admitted in april. i rang my dau~hter being admitted in april. i rang my daughter and _ being admitted in april. i rang my daughter and said, _ being admitted in april. i rang my daughter and said, look, - being admitted in april. i rang my daughter and said, look, they're l daughter and said, look, they're going _ daughter and said, look, they're going to — daughter and said, look, they're going to put me in a coma, tell everyone — going to put me in a coma, tell everyone i_ going to put me in a coma, tell everyone i love them and hopefully i will see _ everyone i love them and hopefully i will see you on the other side. obviously. _ will see you on the other side. obviously, when i woke up, it was three _ obviously, when i woke up, it was three months later, i had lung failure, — three months later, i had lung failure, liverfailure, kidney failure, liver failure, kidney failure _ failure, liver failure, kidney failure i_ failure, liverfailure, kidney failure. i was on dialysis machines. i failure. i was on dialysis machines. i had _ failure. i was on dialysis machines. i had another stroke, i had gangrene in my— i had another stroke, i had gangrene in my lungs. — i had another stroke, i had gangrene in my lungs, i had sepsis. it

i had another stroke, i had gangrene in my lungs, i had sepsis.— in my lungs, i had sepsis. it was like watching — in my lungs, i had sepsis. it was like watching him _ in my lungs, i had sepsis. it was like watching him in _ in my lungs, i had sepsis. it was like watching him in pain - in my lungs, i had sepsis. it was like watching him in pain taking| like watching him in pain taking every single breath and watching somebody go through that and almost drowning in their own fluids and have to watch that and know that they are going through that every second of the day, it was incredibly hard. i second of the day, it was incredibly hard. .., �* second of the day, it was incredibly hard. �* ., ' ., second of the day, it was incredibly hard. �* ., , ., ., second of the day, it was incredibly hard. �* ., , hard. i can't afford to pay my bills, i am — hard. i can't afford to pay my bills, i am not— hard. i can't afford to pay my bills, i am not working. - hard. i can't afford to pay my bills, i am not working. i- hard. i can't afford to pay my| bills, i am not working. i take hard. i can't afford to pay my - bills, i am not working. i take life a day— bills, i am not working. i take life a day by— bills, i am not working. i take life a day by day— bills, i am not working. i take life a day by day and breath by breath. that is— a day by day and breath by breath. that is the — a day by day and breath by breath. that is the only way to do it. i don't — that is the only way to do it. i don't think— that is the only way to do it. i don't think about the future because i don't think about the future because i don't _ don't think about the future because i don't know what the future is going — i don't know what the future is going to — i don't know what the future is going to bring. i don't know what the future is going to bring-— i don't know what the future is going to bring. this is a “ourney claire feared * going to bring. this is a “ourney claire feared she * going to bring. this is a “ourney claire feared she would b going to bring. this is a journey claire feared she would never. going to bring. this is a journey - claire feared she would never make. i am going to put you in an induced coma and you have 50% chance of survival. i thought i have just got to come out of this on the other side and then i got a phone call at home to say i took a turn for the worse and they gave me two hours and they said if i didn't improve on that two hours they were turning the ventilator. ~ ., ., , ~ ventilator. what was it like when ou woke ventilator. what was it like when you woke up _ ventilator. what was it like when you woke up from _ ventilator. what was it like when you woke up from your,? -

ventilator. what was it like when you woke up from your,? when l ventilator. what was it like when you woke up from your,? when i o-ened you woke up from your,? when i opened my _ you woke up from your,? when i opened my eyes _ you woke up from your,? when i opened my eyes i _ you woke up from your,? when i opened my eyes i thought - you woke up from your,? when i opened my eyes i thought they l you woke up from your,? when i - opened my eyes i thought they were space men, because again ijust thought i was in space. i didn't know where i was, i was so confused. it's been very difficult, me and my mum _ it's been very difficult, me and my mum are — it's been very difficult, me and my mum are really close. the it's been very difficult, me and my mum are really close.— it's been very difficult, me and my mum are really close. the impact of covid for so — mum are really close. the impact of covid for so many _ mum are really close. the impact of covid for so many means _ mum are really close. the impact of covid for so many means new - covid for so many means new challenges and a whole new way of living. singing has come to an end during the pandemic, in public anyway. but english national opera is offering a singing therapy programme to people who are suffering with long—covid, which can cause breathlessness, anxiety and fatigue. our arts correspondent, david sillito has been finding out how it works. she sings lullaby. sing it with me. when it comes to zoom meetings, this is as stress—free as it gets. a lullaby, some singing, and a lesson... i am breathing in ten. ..in breathing. i am breathing out ten.

practice voice exercises. wonderful! and this is what it is all about, these vocal exercises i am being given to do our part of the breathe programme, and taking me through my paces is suzi zumpe from english national opera, who has a vital area of expertise. breathing. it's one of the things that's really hard if you've been unwell for a long time, is that you've potentially never been particularly conscious of how you breathed when you were well, then it's been a struggle, and so getting back to what normal feels like when it isn't something that you are terribly conscious of remembering is already difficult. sheba was hospitalised in march and since then has spent months isolated, anxious and breathless. could you have ever imagined that, essentially, singing teaching could have helped? not in my wildest dreams, no, not at all. this connected me with my flock of fellow sufferers but in the most

positive and musical way. this pilot programme is now being extended to another 1,000 long—covid patients. the evidence so far suggests it's helping people recoverfaster. with use of the lullabies that calm the patients and with use of the exercises that they do in between the classes, we can see that people's breathing patterns are better. # summertime and the... # but it's also about more than breathing. music can be healing in many ways. # fish arejumping...#. david sillito, bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with stav. hello there. after a very wet night, conditions have been improving gradually through the day today with some brightness across many

central and southern parts of the uk, but the rain band has almost stalled across the north of the uk. here, we'll see further rain and hill snow at times, best of the sunshine for england and wales. and here we've got the mild air pumping in from the south—west so it will almost feel springlike in places given some brightness. the cold air though, holds on across the north of the uk, hence why we have this threat of further snow falling over the grampians and the highlands as this weather front continues to stall here for the rest of the day. further south then, some brightness temperatures 13 or 14 degrees. like i said, it's going to feel almost springlike but more rain waits out in the west and that will push its way northwards and eastwards as we go through this evening and overnight. again, some heavy bursts in places, it's going to merge with the rain band across the north of the uk, bringing further rain, sleet and some hill snow here. further south though, it will be of rain with the sort of temperatures, there'll be another fairly mild night in the south, versus another cold one in the north with the risk of some in places. so for friday we start off that rain

band with some further hill snow across the north of the uk, further south clusters of showers but through the day generally friday, it's going to improve pretty much where ever you are. the rain in the north easing down along with the hill snow and the showers in the south also easing, so allow for a little bit of drier and brighter weather. the mild air becoming confined to the south of the country, cold in the north will advance southwards. as we move out of friday into the weekend, there is some uncertainty on this forecast but it does look as this area of low pressure with this weather fronts pushes into the cold air across the country, we are likely to see increasing amounts of sleet and snow for wales into northern england, the midlands down into east anglia and the south—east. some uncertainty to this but we could see accumulations to lower levels, certainly accumulations across wales but generally i think in the south—west, where it is milder it will be of rain. further north though, drier, brighter put cold with that sunshine and a pretty cold day for all. it's going to be very cold night to start sunday, some frost, some ice to watch out for and then it's a repeat performance i think,

with another weather front trying to push its way northwards and eastwards to bring some sleet and snow for northern ireland, wales, into parts of the midlands, too, perhaps accumulations in places but a very cold day for all areas.

this is bbc news. i'm jane hill. the headlines: the prime minister visits scotland, saying it's important the uk works together in the fight against coronavirus, but the first minister had already questioned the need for the visit. me travelling from edinburgh to aberdeen to visit a vaccination centre right now is not essential and borisjohnson travelling from london to wherever in scotland he's going to do the same is not essential. i know in my capacity as prime minister— i know in my capacity as prime minister of— i know in my capacity as prime minister of the _ i know in my capacity as prime minister of the whole - i know in my capacity as prime minister of the whole country, | i know in my capacity as prime l minister of the whole country, i i know in my capacity as prime - minister of the whole country, i am here to _ minister of the whole country, i am here to thank — minister of the whole country, i am here to thank our _ minister of the whole country, i am here to thank our hard—working - here to thank our hard—working officials — here to thank our hard—working officials and _ here to thank our hard—working officials and public _ here to thank our hard—working officials and public servants - here to thank our hard—working i officials and public servants across the whole — officials and public servants across the whole of — officials and public servants across the whole of britain _ officials and public servants across the whole of britain who _ officials and public servants across the whole of britain who are - officials and public servants across the whole of britain who are doing| the whole of britain who are doing fantastic— the whole of britain who are doing fantastic work. _ scientists say they're disappointed that covid infections aren't falling quickly enough in england to ease

pressure on hospitals. as the row continues over eu vaccine supply shortages, germany says it will not give the astrazeneca jab to the over—65s. and how singing classes can help people cope with the breathlessness and fatigue that comes with long covid. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. on a visit to scotland, the prime minister has thanked nhs staff and emphasised the importance of the uk working together in tackling coronavirus. scotland's first minister nicola sturgeon has questioned whether it's right for borisjohnson to be

travelling round the country in the middle of a pandemic. downing street says it's a fundamental part of the pm's job to meet people on the front line. the trip comes amid growing calls for another scottish independence referendum. our scotland correspondent james shaw reports. borisjohnson arriving for the start of his visit to scotland at the queen elizabeth university hospital in glasgow, despite a warning from nicola sturgeon yesterday that the rules against nonessential travel apply to everyone, including political leaders. is it really, really essential? that's the test. and i would say me travelling from edinburgh to aberdeen to visit a vaccination centre right now is not essential and borisjohnson travelling from london to wherever in scotland he's going to do the same is not essential. but borisjohnson and his cabinet colleagues insist it is right to point out that the uk government

has made a big contribution to the fight against the virus in scotland. there are 80 new vaccination centres that are opening in scotland as a result of the british army's efforts. i think it's only right that the prime minister goes to the front line, learns from those who are responsible from the vaccine roll—out and also make sure that we do even better. you know, that is part of the job of any leader, to thank those who are making a difference in keeping us safe, but also to hear direct and unvarnished what we can do to make sure that the delivery is even better. over the course of the pandemic, there have been tensions between the different parts of the country, but this feels different. it has all got a bit more political and there's a simple reason for that — scottish elections in just three months�* time. and this particular election is vitally important to both first minister and prime minister. just as the pandemic might be starting to ease,

the future of the uk will once again be in question. two polls now have confirmed that around one in five of those people who voted no in 2014 are amongst those who say that maybe scotland would have handled the pandemic better as an independent country and it's also clear from that same polling that at least half of this group, probably slightly more, are no longer supporters of no, they're now supporters of yes, so it does look as though that stark differential perception of how the scottish government has handled the pandemic and how the uk government has done has added another notch to the wider support for independence. these are just the opening shots being exchanged by the conservatives and the snp ahead of polling day at the start of may. both nichola sturgeon and borisjohnson are formidable campaigners but it could be a long and gruelling campaign for both.

this afternoon mrjohnson has been visiting valneva — a manufacturing site in livingston. he was asked by reporters about the question of scottish independence. i don't think the right thing to do is idon't think the right thing to do is to— idon't think the right thing to do is to talk— i don't think the right thing to do is to talk endlessly _ i don't think the right thing to do is to talk endlessly about - i don't think the right thing to do| is to talk endlessly about another referendum — is to talk endlessly about another referendum where _ is to talk endlessly about another referendum where the _ is to talk endlessly about another referendum where the people - is to talk endlessly about another referendum where the people ofl is to talk endlessly about another. referendum where the people of the country _ referendum where the people of the country and — referendum where the people of the country and what _ referendum where the people of the country and what i _ referendum where the people of the country and what i think— referendum where the people of the country and what i think the - referendum where the people of the country and what i think the people i country and what i think the people of scotland — country and what i think the people of scotland want _ country and what i think the people of scotland want in _ country and what i think the people of scotland want in particular- country and what i think the people of scotland want in particular is - of scotland want in particular is for us _ of scotland want in particular is for us to— of scotland want in particular is for us to fight— of scotland want in particular is for us to fight this _ of scotland want in particular is for us to fight this pandemic. . of scotland want in particular isl for us to fight this pandemic. as of scotland want in particular is l for us to fight this pandemic. as i say, _ for us to fight this pandemic. as i say, it's— for us to fight this pandemic. as i say, it's great— for us to fight this pandemic. as i say, it's great to _ for us to fight this pandemic. as i say, it's great to see _ for us to fight this pandemic. as i say, it's great to see everything l say, it's great to see everything that scotland _ say, it's great to see everything that scotland is _ say, it's great to see everything that scotland is contributing - say, it's great to see everything that scotland is contributing toi say, it's great to see everything i that scotland is contributing to the nationai— that scotland is contributing to the national effort, _ that scotland is contributing to the national effort, it's— that scotland is contributing to the national effort, it's quite _ that scotland is contributing to the national effort, it's quite amazing, j national effort, it's quite amazing, and i_ national effort, it's quite amazing, and i think— national effort, it's quite amazing, and i think what _ national effort, it's quite amazing, and i think what people _ national effort, it's quite amazing, and i think what people want - national effort, it's quite amazing, and i think what people want to i national effort, it's quite amazing, i and i think what people want to see is us bouncing — and i think what people want to see is us bouncing back— and i think what people want to see is us bouncing back more _ and i think what people want to see is us bouncing back more strongly. is us bouncing back more strongly together~ — is us bouncing back more strongly together~ i— is us bouncing back more strongly together~ i do _ is us bouncing back more strongly together. i do not _ is us bouncing back more strongly together. i do not sue _ is us bouncing back more strongly together. i do not sue the - is us bouncing back more strongly. together. i do not sue the advantage of getting _

together. i do not sue the advantage of getting lost — together. i do not sue the advantage of getting lost in— together. i do not sue the advantage of getting lost in pointless _ of getting lost in pointless constitutional— of getting lost in pointless constitutional wrangling . of getting lost in pointless - constitutional wrangling when, after all, constitutional wrangling when, after all. we _ constitutional wrangling when, after all. we had — constitutional wrangling when, after all. we had a — constitutional wrangling when, after all, we had a referendum _ constitutional wrangling when, after all, we had a referendum not- constitutional wrangling when, after all, we had a referendum not so- constitutional wrangling when, afteri all, we had a referendum not so very lon- all, we had a referendum not so very long ago _ all, we had a referendum not so very long ago if_ all, we had a referendum not so very lona auo. , .,, ,, , ., all, we had a referendum not so very lonauao. , ~ , ., ., long ago. if people keep voting for a referendum, _ long ago. if people keep voting for a referendum, however— long ago. if people keep voting for a referendum, however frustratingj a referendum, however frustrating you a referendum, howeverfrustrating you might find that, who are you to stand in the way of the people having that second choice? don't foruet, having that second choice? don't forget. those _ having that second choice? don't forget, those very _ having that second choice? don't forget, those very same - having that second choice? don't forget, those very same people who make _ forget, those very same people who make the _ forget, those very same people who make the point— forget, those very same people who make the point that _ forget, those very same people who make the point that you _ forget, those very same people who make the point that you just - forget, those very same people who make the point that you just made i make the point that you just made and go _ make the point that you just made and go on — make the point that you just made and go on and _ make the point that you just made and go on and on— make the point that you just made and go on and on about— make the point that you just made and go on and on about another. and go on and on about another referendum _ and go on and on about another referendum also— and go on and on about another referendum also said _ and go on and on about another referendum also said only- and go on and on about another referendum also said only a - and go on and on about anotherj referendum also said only a few years— referendum also said only a few years ago— referendum also said only a few years ago in— referendum also said only a few years ago in 2014 _ referendum also said only a few years ago in 2014 that _ referendum also said only a few years ago in 2014 that this - referendum also said only a few years ago in 2014 that this wasl referendum also said only a fewl years ago in 2014 that this was a once _ years ago in 2014 that this was a once in— years ago in 2014 that this was a once in a — years ago in 2014 that this was a once in a generation _ years ago in 2014 that this was a once in a generation event - years ago in 2014 that this was a once in a generation event and l years ago in 2014 that this was a i once in a generation event and that was~~~ _ once in a generation event and that was~~~ i_ once in a generation event and that was~~~ i am — once in a generation event and that was... i am inclined _ once in a generation event and that was... i am inclined to _ once in a generation event and that was... i am inclined to stick- once in a generation event and that was... i am inclined to stick with. was... i am inclined to stick with what _ was... i am inclined to stick with what they— was... i am inclined to stick with what they said _ was... i am inclined to stick with what they said last _ was... i am inclined to stick with what they said last time - was... i am inclined to stick with what they said last time and - was... i am inclined to stick with what they said last time and i. what they said last time and i genuinely— what they said last time and i genuinely look— what they said last time and i genuinely look at _ what they said last time and i genuinely look at what's - what they said last time and ii genuinely look at what's going what they said last time and i- genuinely look at what's going on here, _ genuinely look at what's going on here we — genuinely look at what's going on here we have _ genuinely look at what's going on here, we have fantastic— genuinely look at what's going on here, we have fantastic effort - genuinely look at what's going on . here, we have fantastic effort being made _ here, we have fantastic effort being made by— here, we have fantastic effort being made by scottish _ here, we have fantastic effort being made by scottish scientists, - here, we have fantastic effort being made by scottish scientists, by - made by scottish scientists, by scottish— made by scottish scientists, by scottish vaccination— made by scottish scientists, by scottish vaccination operation i made by scottish scientists, by. scottish vaccination operation to protect— scottish vaccination operation to protect the — scottish vaccination operation to protect the whole _ scottish vaccination operation to protect the whole of— scottish vaccination operation to protect the whole of the - scottish vaccination operation to| protect the whole of the country. that's _ protect the whole of the country. that's what — protect the whole of the country. that's what people _ protect the whole of the country. that's what people want. - protect the whole of the country. that's what people want. you - protect the whole of the country. i that's what people want. you have the british— that's what people want. you have the british army— that's what people want. you have the british army working _ that's what people want. you have the british army working to - that's what people want. you have| the british army working to protect the british army working to protect the whole — the british army working to protect the whole of — the british army working to protect the whole of the _ the british army working to protect the whole of the country _ the british army working to protect the whole of the country and - the british army working to protect the whole of the country and i- the british army working to protect|

the whole of the country and i think we should _ the whole of the country and i think we should come _ the whole of the country and i think we should come together— the whole of the country and i think we should come together as- the whole of the country and i think we should come together as a - we should come together as a country. — we should come together as a country. get— we should come together as a country, get through - we should come together as a country, get through this - we should come together as a - country, get through this pandemic and bounce — country, get through this pandemic and bounce back— country, get through this pandemic and bounce back even _ country, get through this pandemic and bounce back even stronger- country, get through this pandemic and bounce back even stronger and that's— and bounce back even stronger and that's where — and bounce back even stronger and that's where our— and bounce back even stronger and that's where our focus _ and bounce back even stronger and that's where our focus should - and bounce back even stronger and that's where our focus should be. l and bounce back even stronger and| that's where our focus should be. if that's where our focus should be. it” the that's where our focus should be. the snp found a legal way of that's where our focus should be.“ the snp found a legal way of having another referendum without uk consent, would you boycott it? mr; consent, would you boycott it? my focus is on defeating the pandemic. but the _ focus is on defeating the pandemic. but the answer _ focus is on defeating the pandemic. but the answer that _ focus is on defeating the pandemic. but the answer that question? - focus is on defeating the pandemic. but the answer that question? i - but the answer that question? i think that should be the focus of everybody — think that should be the focus of everybody in _ think that should be the focus of everybody in this _ think that should be the focus of everybody in this country- think that should be the focus of everybody in this country and . think that should be the focus of everybody in this country and i. everybody in this country and i believe — everybody in this country and i believe in _ everybody in this country and i believe in the _ everybody in this country and i believe in the power— everybody in this country and i believe in the power of - everybody in this country and i believe in the power of thingsl believe in the power of things together~ _ believe in the power of things together~ you _ believe in the power of things together. you are _ believe in the power of things together. you are going - believe in the power of things together. you are going on i believe in the power of things i together. you are going on and believe in the power of things - together. you are going on and on about— together. you are going on and on about a _ together. you are going on and on about a referendum _ together. you are going on and on about a referendum and _ together. you are going on and on about a referendum and we - together. you are going on and on about a referendum and we don'tl about a referendum and we don't actually— about a referendum and we don't actually know _ about a referendum and we don't actually know what _ about a referendum and we don't actually know what that - about a referendum and we don't i actually know what that referendum would _ actually know what that referendum would set _ actually know what that referendum would set out — actually know what that referendum would set out to _ actually know what that referendum would set out to achieve, _ actually know what that referendum would set out to achieve, we - actually know what that referendum would set out to achieve, we do - actually know what that referendum would set out to achieve, we do not know _ would set out to achieve, we do not know what — would set out to achieve, we do not know what the — would set out to achieve, we do not know what the point _ would set out to achieve, we do not know what the point of— would set out to achieve, we do not know what the point of it _ would set out to achieve, we do not know what the point of it would - would set out to achieve, we do not know what the point of it would be. know what the point of it would be and what _ know what the point of it would be and what happens _ know what the point of it would be and what happens to _ know what the point of it would be and what happens to the _ know what the point of it would be and what happens to the army, . know what the point of it would be . and what happens to the army, what happens _ and what happens to the army, what happens to— and what happens to the army, what happens to the — and what happens to the army, what happens to the crown, _ and what happens to the army, what happens to the crown, what - and what happens to the army, what| happens to the crown, what happens to the _ happens to the crown, what happens to the pound — happens to the crown, what happens to the pound on _ happens to the crown, what happens to the pound on the _ happens to the crown, what happens to the pound on the foreign - happens to the crown, what happens to the pound on the foreign office? . to the pound on the foreign office? no one _ to the pound on the foreign office? no one will— to the pound on the foreign office? no one will tell— to the pound on the foreign office? no one will tell us _ to the pound on the foreign office? no one will tell us what _ to the pound on the foreign office? no one will tell us what it _ to the pound on the foreign office? no one will tell us what it is - to the pound on the foreign office? no one will tell us what it is meant. no one will tell us what it is meant to be _ no one will tell us what it is meant to be about — no one will tell us what it is meant to be about. but— no one will tell us what it is meant to be about-— to be about. but if people want it, shouldn't they _ to be about. but if people want it, shouldn't they have _ to be about. but if people want it, shouldn't they have it? _ to be about. but if people want it, shouldn't they have it? they - to be about. but if people want it, shouldn't they have it? they had l to be about. but if people want it, i shouldn't they have it? they had won in 2014 and i— shouldn't they have it? they had won in 2014 and | think _ shouldn't they have it? they had won in 2014 and | think what _ shouldn't they have it? they had won in 2014 and i think what people - shouldn't they have it? they had won in 2014 and i think what people do i in 2014 and i think what people do want _ in 2014 and i think what people do want is _ in 2014 and i think what people do want is to— in 2014 and i think what people do want is to focus _ in 2014 and i think what people do want is to focus on _ in 2014 and i think what people do want is to focus on the _ in 2014 and i think what people do want is to focus on the issues - in 2014 and i think what people do want is to focus on the issues that reatiy— want is to focus on the issues that really matter~ _ want is to focus on the issues that really matter~ i_ want is to focus on the issues that really matter. i think— want is to focus on the issues that really matter. i thinkjobs, -

want is to focus on the issues that really matter. i thinkjobs, the - really matter. i thinkjobs, the educationai— really matter. i thinkjobs, the educational performance - really matter. i thinkjobs, the educational performance of. really matter. i thinkjobs, thei educational performance of the scottish— educational performance of the scottish national— educational performance of the scottish national government. | educational performance of the | scottish national government. i educational performance of the - scottish national government. i do not believe — scottish national government. i do not believe that _ scottish national government. i do not believe that has _ scottish national government. i do not believe that has been- scottish national government. i do not believe that has been brilliant. | not believe that has been brilliant. there _ not believe that has been brilliant. there performance _ not believe that has been brilliant. there performance on— not believe that has been brilliant. there performance on crime - not believe that has been brilliant. there performance on crime and l there performance on crime and drugs, _ there performance on crime and drugs, i— there performance on crime and drugs, ithink— there performance on crime and drugs, i think people _ there performance on crime and drugs, i think people need - there performance on crime and drugs, i think people need to. there performance on crime and . drugs, i think people need to focus on those _ drugs, i think people need to focus on those things _ drugs, i think people need to focus on those things but _ drugs, i think people need to focus on those things but above - drugs, i think people need to focus on those things but above all- drugs, i think people need to focus on those things but above all on i on those things but above all on fighting — on those things but above all on fighting this _ on those things but above all on fighting this pandemic— on those things but above all on fighting this pandemic and i on those things but above all on . fighting this pandemic and coming back more — fighting this pandemic and coming back more strongly _ fighting this pandemic and coming back more strongly together. i- fighting this pandemic and coming i back more strongly together. i have to say— back more strongly together. i have to say i_ back more strongly together. i have to say i think— back more strongly together. i have to say i think endless _ back more strongly together. i have to say i think endless talk _ back more strongly together. i have to say i think endless talk about i back more strongly together. i have to say i think endless talk about a l to say i think endless talk about a referendum — to say i think endless talk about a referendum without _ to say i think endless talk about a referendum without any - to say i think endless talk about a referendum without any clear- referendum without any clear description _ referendum without any clear description of _ referendum without any clear description of what _ referendum without any clear description of what the i description of what the constitutional- description of what the constitutional situation description of what the - constitutional situation would be after _ constitutional situation would be after that — constitutional situation would be after that referendum _ constitutional situation would be after that referendum is - constitutional situation would be i after that referendum is completely irrelevant _ after that referendum is completely irrelevant now — after that referendum is completely irrelevant now to _ after that referendum is completely irrelevant now to the _ after that referendum is completely irrelevant now to the concerns i after that referendum is completely irrelevant now to the concerns of i irrelevant now to the concerns of most _ irrelevant now to the concerns of most people _ irrelevant now to the concerns of most peopie who _ irrelevant now to the concerns of most people who i _ irrelevant now to the concerns of most people who i think- irrelevant now to the concerns of most people who i think want i irrelevant now to the concerns of most people who i think want us| irrelevant now to the concerns of . most people who i think want us to beat this— most people who i think want us to beat this pandemic _ most people who i think want us to beat this pandemic and _ most people who i think want us to beat this pandemic and come i most people who i think want us to beat this pandemic and come to . most people who i think want us to beat this pandemic and come to iti beat this pandemic and come to it strongly— beat this pandemic and come to it strongly together _ beat this pandemic and come to it strongly together and, _ beat this pandemic and come to it strongly together and, as - beat this pandemic and come to it strongly together and, as i- beat this pandemic and come to it strongly together and, as i said, i| strongly together and, as i said, i think— strongly together and, as i said, i think you — strongly together and, as i said, i think you can— strongly together and, as i said, i think you can see _ strongly together and, as i said, i think you can see the _ strongly together and, as i said, i think you can see the amazing - think you can see the amazing contribution _ think you can see the amazing contribution of— think you can see the amazing contribution of scotland, - think you can see the amazing contribution of scotland, of i contribution of scotland, of scottish _ contribution of scotland, of scottish scientists, - contribution of scotland, of scottish scientists, of - contribution of scotland, of i scottish scientists, of scottish people — scottish scientists, of scottish people to _ scottish scientists, of scottish people to the _ scottish scientists, of scottish people to the national - scottish scientists, of scottish people to the national effort l scottish scientists, of scottish . people to the national effort and scottish scientists, of scottish - people to the national effort and i do not _ people to the national effort and i do not want — people to the national effort and i do not want to— people to the national effort and i do not want to break— people to the national effort and i do not want to break that - people to the national effort and i do not want to break that up. - people to the national effort and i do not want to break that up. the| do not want to break that up. the prime do not want to break that up. prime minister bears speaking do not want to break that up.- prime minister bears speaking at a visit to a covid vaccine manufacturing site. we are going to talk more about that visit over the

course of the afternoon. before he gave that interview, i spoke to our scotland correspondence, jamie shaul, who told us at that point how the prime minister's visit was being received. on the face of it, ostensibly, this is all about fighting the pandemic on a uk—wide basis, but below the surface and always visible, this emerging political battle between the snp and the conservatives, between the scottish government and the uk governments and just recently, the snp decided that they wouldn't necessarily wait to get permission or authority from the uk government to hold an independence referendum. they might go it alone, they might do it off their own bat and, if necessary, fighting through the courts to do that. and it's possible that that has focused the minds of people in westminster, that there are really only three months left to make this case for the union before potentially it is taken out of their hands by the electorate in scotland. now, of course, we know that

borisjohnson will want brexit to be part of his legacy, but one thing he certainly will not want is to be the uk prime minister who oversaw the break—up of the united kingdom as we currently know it. scientists tracking the spread of coronavirus in england say they're disappointed that infections aren't coming down enough to help ease the pressure on the nhs, with demand for critical care beds still rising. the latest study by imperial college london shows a decline in the infection rate in london, the south east and south west, but signs of a slight rise in the east midlands. joining me now is professor tim spector. he's professor of genetic epidemiology at king's college london and runs the zoe covid symptom study app.

professor, very good afternoon. hello. it professor, very good afternoon. hello. to, professor, very good afternoon. hello. ., ~ , ., ., hello. if we can talk first of all about the _ hello. if we can talk first of all about the data _ hello. if we can talk first of all about the data we _ hello. if we can talk first of all about the data we are - hello. if we can talk first of all about the data we are hearing | hello. if we can talk first of all - about the data we are hearing from imperial college london today, a fall but not sufficient, not a full everywhere and not sufficient even where numbers are coming down. what is your thoughts on that and why thatis is your thoughts on that and why that is happening? it is is your thoughts on that and why that is happening? it is important to recognise _ that is happening? it is important to recognise that _ that is happening? it is important to recognise that there _ that is happening? it is important to recognise that there are - that is happening? it is important to recognise that there are four i to recognise that there are four sources of data browned what is happening throughout the country. there are two studies, the chemical reactor study, the ons study and they measure prevalence. that is the number of people in the country with the disease who are symptomatic and that usually lasts for about ten days and those rates are much slower to drop than if you record the number of new cases. the zoe app and the number of confirmed cases look at the number of new cases everyday and that is falling faster than the

prevalence one, so the data from the zoe app which has 4 million people and basically everydayi million people are reporting is showing that rates have been falling steadily since the 1st of january and we are now at about 36% of where we were at the peak, so that is actually good news and although that rate, which was 0.8, is now drifting back to 0.9, we are that much better levels than we have been, so the only disappointment is that the death rates are still going up and there are still lots of people in hospital and according to our data, that is only dropped by about 5—10%. it does take time from the number of new cases dropping until you see this effect, so i think it's a mixed picture. i do not think it is as gloomy as some of these other

surveys show because the zoe data is basically a week ahead because of the nature of the incidences, it is tracking exactly the government's on data on confirmed cases like we are getting there and we also have to look at why our hospitals being so slow to improve? it is because i think there might be some local problems with infections in hospitals, infections and care homes that are separate to what is happening in the population and we need to improve both of those to get us in a much better position.- us in a much better position. that's really interesting, _ us in a much better position. that's really interesting, so _ us in a much better position. that's really interesting, so you _ us in a much better position. that's really interesting, so you feel - us in a much better position. that's really interesting, so you feel that. really interesting, so you feel that the app is showing that infection rates are falling. is that uk wide? presumably there are always geographical variations. there are, but strangely— geographical variations. there are, but strangely at — geographical variations. there are, but strangely at the _ geographical variations. there are, but strangely at the moment - geographical variations. there are, but strangely at the moment we i geographical variations. there are, i but strangely at the moment we have fewer geographical variation than we have had in the last six months. most levels are quite similar. rates are falling, similar to the reactor study, in that rates are falling

faster in the south and they are perhaps in the north and the midlands where there is some hint of them flattening off, but they are at lower levels, so i think the trend generally is downwards and it is starting to slow and we need to address that and also address the fact that hospital rates are not falling as fast given what is happening in the population. i think we need to see them as to potentially different situations that overlap a bit but have their own problems and hopefully vaccination in hospitals particularly will start to drive that down and our app is now logging vaccinations and i urge anyone who has not downloaded it who has had a vaccine, do help us get more data on how effective these vaccines are by getting our app and joining the other 200,000 people who have already logged their vaccine. find it already logged their vaccine. and it is ressure already logged their vaccine. and it is pressure on _ already logged their vaccine. and it is pressure on hospitals _ already logged their vaccine. and it is pressure on hospitals or- already logged their vaccine. and it is pressure on hospitals or pressure on the nhs generally that is one of the drivers, of course, of policy

and how policy is decided. how quickly we can get people out of lockdown, how quickly we can get children back—to—school, all of those issues, so the impact on hospitals is still a vital consideration, isn't it, in terms of returning to any sort of normality? exactly. although the rates have come down a bit, hospitals are still full of first—rate patients and that makes them very difficult to function normally and my hospital is no exception. st thomas's hospital is still very full, rates have come down a little bit of which is a glimmer of hope, but there are still far too many to be effective in that care, so i totally understand that but we have to recognise that there might be separate problems, we cannotjust keep blaming the public for not doing enough. i think everyone has to play their part in this and part of it is the fact that hospitals at the same with your anyway are always too full, too

crowded and the links between care homes and hospitals may be causing infections in their own right regardless of what the population is doing. find regardless of what the population is doinu. �* , ., regardless of what the population is doinu. . , ., ., regardless of what the population is doinu.�* ., , doing. and you mentioned vaccines, 'ust cuickl doing. and you mentioned vaccines, just quickly before _ doing. and you mentioned vaccines, just quickly before electrical, - doing. and you mentioned vaccines, just quickly before electrical, i - doing. and you mentioned vaccines, just quickly before electrical, i am . just quickly before electrical, i am interested in whether you take a view on the political debate around today in terms of teachers and whether they should be hiring up in the queue for a vaccine. —— higher “p the queue for a vaccine. —— higher up in the queue. i the queue for a vaccine. -- higher up in the queue-— up in the queue. i am a firm believer _ up in the queue. i am a firm believer that _ up in the queue. i am a firm believer that education - up in the queue. i am a firm believer that education is i up in the queue. i am a firm l believer that education is vital up in the queue. i am a firm - believer that education is vital and if we can get kids back—to—school safely or reasonably safely, that should be a priority, so my personal view is that the teachers are fairly pivotal in keeping schools open and also protecting parents and families and therefore because of that unique role, i think it would only take about two days of vaccination nationwide to vaccinate all the half a million teachers, we are going so fast, and so i personally would put

them next on the list. i think it is really important that we get kids back—to—school is and help a lot of the problems caused by that knock—on effect. also on the health service, many people work in the health service and cannot do theirjobs because they are having to home—school, so absolutely i think that would be, if i were in charge, i would be prioritising them. trier? i would be prioritising them. very interesting _ i would be prioritising them. very interesting to _ i would be prioritising them. very interesting to have _ i would be prioritising them. very interesting to have your perspective. thank you very much for your time this afternoon. the headlines on bbc news: the prime minister visits scotland, saying it's important the uk works together in the fight against coronavirus, but the first minister had already questioned the need for the visit. scientists say they're disappointed that covid infections aren't falling quickly enough in england to ease pressure on hospitals. as the row continues over eu vaccine supply shortages, germany says it will not recommend giving the astrazeneca jab to the over—65s.

we are going to talk more about that story which has emerged only in the last hour or so. germany's vaccine committee has said astrazeneca's covid jab should only be given to people aged under 65. the committee cited "insufficient data" for the effectiveness of the vaccine in those over 65. the move comes as eu countries face vaccine shortages and criticism over the pace of vaccination. that is all coming on top of the eu story we have been talking about a lot today, about vaccine shortages. let's discuss this latest comment that has come through from germany. our global health correspondent naomi grimleyjoins me now. let's be really clear about what has been said in germany and why. first thins

been said in germany and why. first things first. — been said in germany and why. first things first, this _ been said in germany and why. first things first, this is _ been said in germany and why. f “st things first, this is nothing to do with the safety of this vaccine. it is to do with the efficacy in the over 65 cents as you say, they are arguing there is currently insufficient data, they say. this goes to the heart of how you structure a clinical trial. remember, they recruited thousands of people into these trials, gave half of them the vaccine and half of them the placebo and then waited to see how many infections they got before deciding how effective it was. because there were so few people over 65 recruited, around 6-8%, people over 65 recruited, around 6—8%, germany have made this call, but britain may be opposite call even though they acknowledged at the time that there was limited information on this older age group. so it is about insufficient data, thatis so it is about insufficient data, that is a key thing that we have to remember as far as germany is concerned, that is what they are saying. i'mjust concerned, that is what they are saying. i'm just hearing a line, it seems that borisjohnson has been asked about this and he is not concerned by the german decision not

to recommend that particular vaccine for that age group, so he is not concerned by it. this is coming out of germany. now, tomorrow, we think there will be the eu wide decision about giving the go—ahead, so is there tension there? what does that mean? it’s there tension there? what does that mean? �*, , there tension there? what does that mean? , mean? it's possible they will also see a similar _ mean? it's possible they will also see a similar thing _ mean? it's possible they will also see a similar thing that _ mean? it's possible they will also see a similar thing that they - mean? it's possible they will also j see a similar thing that they think it should be reserved for the under 65s, but to go back to what happened here in britain, when the regulators here in britain, when the regulators here looked at the data, fully acknowledge that there were not that many over 65s in the trial, they nevertheless looked at other evidence, so, for example, when they gave the jab to the older age group, they looked at their antibody levels in their bloodstream and they thought that evidence was quite strong and they also extrapolated from these large trials they had donein from these large trials they had done in younger age groups and so the regulator here said there was nothing to suggest a

lack of protection and that is exactly what we are hearing from public health england again this afternoon. they say there were too few cases in the older people in the astrazeneca trials to observe the precise levels of protection in this group, but they go on that the data on immune responses was very reassuring and that is why the government is telling older adults here not to panic.— here not to panic. thank you very much for now. _ now to that other story concerning astra—zeneca. the government has insisted there will be no interruption to uk vaccine supplies from astrazeneca, after the european union demanded doses from the british allocation, in a row about shortages. the shortfall in supplies to the eu, which astrazeneca blames on �*teething problems', could be as many as 75 million doses. the eu commission has confirmed that officials in belgium have been investigating an astrazeneca site near brussels, to corroborate claims that there have been problems with production there.

nick beake reports from brussels. europe is really struggling to get hold of covid jabs, especially here in spain. in the madrid area, they have had to cancel nearly all vaccine appointments for nearly a week. in the french city of strasbourg big delays in protecting people. translation: there is a real feeling of frustration. - there is a very strong demand and an organisation that's here and ready but we cannot go to full capacity because there's a lack of vaccines. and it's set to get even worse. the european union claims one supplier, the british—swedish vaccine maker astrazeneca, will be delivering 75 million fewer doses than promised over the next two months. the eu is demanding thatjabs made in the uk are diverted to mainland europe to make up the shortfall. when asked about that idea, one senior british minister said there should be no disruption to british supplies.

it is the case that the supplies which have been planned, paid for and scheduled should continue, absolutely. there will be no interruption to that. but again, i think that the right approach to take with ourfriends in europe is to make sure that we foster a cooperative dialogue to see how we can do everything we can to help. but the eu is now investigating if astrazeneca jabs made in mainland europe have already been sent in britain's direction. it insists it must receive its fair share. we can and will get doses of the vaccine from the series of plants which are mentioned in the contract and therefore also including those in the united kingdom. the eu and astrazeneca say they are working more closely together to try to sort this out but there are still many specific unanswered questions swirling around. there are plenty of legal and moral arguments being made. what health experts say is the last

thing we need is so—called vaccine nationalism, that this is the time for countries to cooperate to get out of the pandemic as quickly as possible. and vaccine specialists point out that increasing production of new products is not an easy business. we are used to seeing delays in complex construction projects similar to this, vaccine production is much more complex than anything we have ever done in the world before, so i think it is completely natural to have these delays. this row between the uk and the eu is farfrom being resolved. europe is the engine of the global vaccine—making process and countries further afield are asking how these arguments and delays will affect them too. we can talk now to professor david taylor, emeritus professor of pharmaceutical and public health policy at university college london.

good afternoon. is afternoon. what do ou good afternoon. is afternoon. what do you make _ good afternoon. is afternoon. what do you make of _ good afternoon. is afternoon. what do you make of whatever— good afternoon. is afternoon. what do you make of whatever we - good afternoon. is afternoon. what do you make of whatever we call. do you make of whatever we call this, a dispute, between the eu and astrazeneca? what you make of its? it is unfortunate. the important thing to remember is that what matters is saving lives and reaching the most vulnerable people first and we have done very well collectively across the world in developing these vaccines. what it looks like in europe is that the commission has been under pressure. there has been discontent about the relative slowness of getting their vaccination programme off the ground compared with the uk and, of course, the united states. what i hope has not happened is something more like putin's russia where the company is being picked on as a scapegoat. it is surprising to me that this should have gone so public in such a hostile manner so quickly given the background you have just reviewed

about the difficulties in setting up about the difficulties in setting up a new production line. remember, the vaccine is not even licensed in europe yet, so i think it is deeply unfortunate and hopefully over the next month or two, this will be sorted out and properly forgotten, though maybe we need at some point some sort of inquiry as to why there was a sudden announcement of raids on the belgian factory and things like that which, to me, sound, as i say, deeply undesirable. find like that which, to me, sound, as i say, deeply undesirable. and there is it correct — say, deeply undesirable. and there is it correct to _ say, deeply undesirable. and there is it correct to say _ say, deeply undesirable. and there is it correct to say that _ say, deeply undesirable. and there is it correct to say that it _ say, deeply undesirable. and there is it correct to say that it would - is it correct to say that it would not actually be astrazeneca itself that does the actual manufacturing, that does the actual manufacturing, that once the inoculation is developed, that is then sourced to others? is that correct? that developed, that is then sourced to others? is that correct?— others? is that correct? that is absolutely _ others? is that correct? that is absolutely correct. _ others? is that correct? that is absolutely correct. of - others? is that correct? that is absolutely correct. of course, l absolutely correct. of course, historically, astrazeneca has not been a vaccine company. it has had to set up across the world in its

efforts in india and the united states and many other places and has been very notable. it is committed worldwide to supplying a vaccine at cost, much lower cost than the chinese or russian vaccine, let alone the american vaccines becoming available, so i think they have done stunningly well. i available, so i think they have done stunningly well.— stunningly well. i also write in sa in: stunningly well. i also write in saying that — stunningly well. i also write in saying that it _ stunningly well. i also write in saying that it is _ stunningly well. i also write in saying that it is being - stunningly well. i also write in | saying that it is being supplied stunningly well. i also write in i saying that it is being supplied at cost, the vaccine? is that correct? there may be disputes about cost but around £3 per shot which looks very, very competitive compared with the availability elsewhere in the world. so i think now the thing to do is to focus on what we can achieve, remembering that the enemy here is not europe or other politicians, it is the disease itself. we may be able to think about these shortfalls in supply in the short—term, but thatis in supply in the short—term, but that is not for me, i do not know the facts, i can only look on as a reasonably informed observer. the thing to do now is get over minor

squabbles, remember that unfortunately politicians from time to time do seek scapegoats and public rows when they are trying to deflect attention away from themselves. it may be that the commission, in the long—term, has aspirations in other areas of health care and want to lead europe rather than keeping health care a devolved responsibility of member states. i do not know the deeper politics of all of this. , ., , , all of this. sorry to interrupt, but ou are all of this. sorry to interrupt, but you are a — all of this. sorry to interrupt, but you are a public _ all of this. sorry to interrupt, but you are a public health _ all of this. sorry to interrupt, but| you are a public health specialist, so you, presumably, see it globally, everyone ultimately needs a vaccine, everyone. find everyone ultimately needs a vaccine, eve one. �* ., ., , ., everyone. and the thing to do is to ram u- everyone. and the thing to do is to ramp up production _ everyone. and the thing to do is to ramp up production worldwide. i everyone. and the thing to do is to ramp up production worldwide. atl everyone. and the thing to do is to i ramp up production worldwide. at the moment, even if we have all the plans in line, we do not have anywhere near enough production worldwide to start thinking about protecting the globe. we need to be addressing that as positively as possible. remember, vaccines in

general are the most cost—effective of all health care interventions whether you are talking drugs, professionals laying on hands, they are fantastically cost—effective. we only spend $40 billion a year on vaccines worldwide. this is a tiny proportion of the total drugs bill alone which is over $1 trillion, so we have to get worldwide production up we have to get worldwide production up to scratch. these costs are affordable and, of course, once we develop these vaccinations for covid—i9, we will also be in a better place to apply them not only across infectious disease but other areas of care including possibly cancer care. areas of care including possibly cancer care-— areas of care including possibly cancer care. . , , ., cancer care. really interesting to talk to you. _ cancer care. really interesting to talk to you, thank _ cancer care. really interesting to talk to you, thank you _ cancer care. really interesting to talk to you, thank you so - cancer care. really interesting to talk to you, thank you so much i cancer care. really interesting to l talk to you, thank you so much for your time, talk to you, thank you so much for yourtime, professor talk to you, thank you so much for your time, professor david taylor from university college london. much more in the next hour, but let's pause and take a look at the weather prospects. hello there. after a very wet night, it's been an improving sort of day. a lot of brightness across central

and southern areas before more rain arrives from the west later on. with all this rain, we're looking at very mild conditions pushing up from the south—west away from central and northern scotland. we'll see further hill snow here through the day. now, this evening, the next rain band pushes its way northwards and eastwards, some heavy bursts overnight followed by some showers and clear spells in the south, but further accumulations of snow likely across the hills of scotland. here it will be cold with the risk of ice. further south, of course, there will be rain because it's going to be another mild night. as we move into friday, it starts off pretty showery across southern areas, further rain until snow across the north, but a gradual improvement for many, the legacy of cloud left in the north with some spots of rain from that weather front but the showers should attendees from the south, giving a ease from the south, giving a little bit of brightness in places but it will be mild in the far south, colder in the north, but spreading southwards and that will lead into a very cold weekend for all areas with the risk of rain, sleet and snow in the south and west.

hello, this is bbc news. i'm jane hill. the headlines. the prime minister visits scotland, saying it's important the uk works together in the fight against coronavirus — but the first minister had already questioned the need for the visit: me travelling from edinburgh to aberdeen to visit a vaccination centre — aberdeen to visit a vaccination centre right now is not essential, and boris — centre right now is not essential, and borisjohnson centre right now is not essential, and boris johnson travelling from london _ and boris johnson travelling from london to— and boris johnson travelling from london to forever in scotland he is going _ london to forever in scotland he is going to _ london to forever in scotland he is going to do — london to forever in scotland he is going to do the same is not essential. i know in my capacity in my —— capacity as prime minister of the whole country to thank public servants across the whole of britain who are doing fantastic work. scientists say they're disappointed that covid infections aren't falling quickly enough in england to ease pressure on hospitals. as the row continues over eu vaccine supply shortages, germany says it will not give the astrazeneca jab to the over—65s.

sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, good afternoon. manchester united have condemned the racial abuse directed at their players on social media following last night's defeat to sheffield united at old trafford. the winning goal was deflected off axel tuanzebe who went on to be substituted in the 83rd minute after starting his first premier league game of the season. abuse was aimed at his and anthony martial�*s instagram accounts with a number of users posting racist comments and symbols on old photos. manchester united have put out a statement today saying "everyone at the club is disgusted by the racial abuse received by players via social media after last night's game." they go on to say that "identifying these anonymous mindless idiots remains problematic. we urge social media platforms

and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent this kind of behaviour." that's a position the former newcastle goalkeeper shaka hislop, who's now honorary president of show racism the red card, agrees with. i was involved in a roundtable earlier this week with the department of culture, media and sport about the government's own responsibility towards dealing and confronting social media companies and the abuse that is allowed to fester on their platforms. just as we link arms and have linked arms over 25 years in dealing with these issues, i think the moment calls for exactly that same approach and resolve even more today. new chelsea manager thomas tuchel says he's not fearful of the club's reputation for sacking managers following the dismissal of frank lampard on monday. the former psg and dortmund boss has become the 15th manager of the roman abramovich era and took charge of his first game last night,

a goalless draw against wolves: it does not scare me. we have big ambition, — it does not scare me. we have big ambition, myself i have big ambitions. i am very excited about the mixture — ambitions. i am very excited about the mixture of the team, i am very excited _ the mixture of the team, i am very excited about the structure of the club, _ excited about the structure of the club, and — excited about the structure of the club, and the first days were amazing, _ club, and the first days were amazing, and i am absolutely aware that at _ amazing, and i am absolutely aware that at some point everybody expects results. _ that at some point everybody expects results, but honestly, iam that at some point everybody expects results, but honestly, i am doing that of— results, but honestly, i am doing that of myself all the time. there's a big game tonight, the champions liverpool go to tottenham looking for their first win in five games in the premier league. jurgen klopp's side have slipped to fifth in the table, only a point above spurs, and have scored just once in the league since that 7—0 win at crystal palace before christmas. the challenge is absolutely fine, always a challenge. it's all about

how you approach it, and we are in it, and we are not happy about the situation but we think we can sort it, whatever you would say. and that's what we do. we will fight. england's cricketers are locked down in quarantine in india as they get ready for their test series. they arrived in chennai from sri lanka yesterday and players immediately went into four days of isolating on their own. the first of four tests starts a week on friday so players have been given workout regimes to do on their own in their hotel rooms. bowlerjimmy anderson says he's using it as an opportunity to get better: i really thrive on trying to improve myself _ i really thrive on trying to improve myself as— i really thrive on trying to improve myself as a — i really thrive on trying to improve myself as a bowler, trying to get fitter~ _ myself as a bowler, trying to get fitter~ i_ myself as a bowler, trying to get fitter. i have done a lot of work on sprinting _ fitter. i have done a lot of work on sprinting in— fitter. i have done a lot of work on sprinting in the last six months in lockdown— sprinting in the last six months in lockdown then england reading to the

series— lockdown then england reading to the series in— lockdown then england reading to the series in sri _ lockdown then england reading to the series in sri lanka, and got quicker and running — series in sri lanka, and got quicker and running as fast as i have in my entire _ and running as fast as i have in my entire career _ and running as fast as i have in my entire career. so i think it isjust that— entire career. so i think it isjust that are — entire career. so i think it isjust that are looking to improve, and try to be _ that are looking to improve, and try to be as _ that are looking to improve, and try to be as good as i possibly can be. ifeel— to be as good as i possibly can be. i feel like — to be as good as i possibly can be. i feel like there is something still in me _ i feel like there is something still in me that — i feel like there is something still in me that i can get a little bit better — the vendee globe, round—the—world sailing race, has been won by the man, who finshed third, but was given a bonus of more than 10 hours, for his role in rescuing a fellow competitor. yannick bestaven, was declared the winner when he arrived in france this morning. he had gone out of his way to help, a fellow frenchman, whose boat eventually sank off the cape of good hope during the race in november. the leading british sailor pip hare is expected to finish around the 11th february. that's all the sport for now. the government is being urged to do more to encourage people from minority ethnic backgrounds to have a covid vaccination. a study from oxford university and the london school of hygiene and tropical medicine shows that black people over the age of 80 are half as likely to get the vaccine as their white counterparts.

here's our community affairs correspondent adina campbell. carmen reed was 79 when she died in november last year after becoming infected with coronavirus while in hospital in birmingham. her niece says the grief of losing a close family member was the main reason why she decided to have the vaccine last week. she was somebody that i spoke to on the phone, you know, nearly every two weeks. and within a few... a week or so, she was just taken. so, that did affect me and it probably affected the family. you realise how... you know, how fragile life is. people from black, asian and other ethnic minority groups are up to four times more likely to die from coronavirus than white people.

despite the risks, research suggests confidence in the vaccine is lower within these communities. there are a number of reasons why some people from black and asian backgrounds seem to be more hesitant about taking the vaccine but one thing we hear time and time again is about a lack of trust. campaigners say the government must take more action, by looking closely at ethnicity data, to understand the vaccine take up among these groups. this concept of hesitancy, we've alljumped onto it only a small proportion have been offered the vaccine. without the data showing who has taken it up we are going to struggle to understand what is going on. the government says it's working closely with black, asian and minority ethnic communities who have questions about covid—i9 vaccines, which includes working with faith and community leaders to give them advice and information about the benefits of vaccination.

we understand the fears, the anxieties and the confusion... black mp5 from all parties have now come together in this video, hoping to spread the vaccination message on social media. adina campbell, bbc news. we are going to talk more about this. and we've just got the latest nhs england data on breakdown of vaccinations by ethnicity. robert cuffe is our head of statistics. let's start with an overview, robert, what does the data tell us about how the overall vaccination programme is progressing? i

about how the overall vaccination programme is progressing? i think barrellina programme is progressing? i think barrelling along _ programme is progressing? i think barrelling along good _ programme is progressing? i think barrelling along good guns - programme is progressing? i think barrelling along good guns is i programme is progressing? i think barrelling along good guns is the l barrelling along good guns is the best way to put it, with the latest figures from nhs england suggesting they are vaccinating more than 2 million a week which is heading towards the 15 million by the middle of february which was the target set a while ago, and when you look at the target groups they are hoping to reach, that is different by nation. in england they have reached nearly 80% of people over the age of 80. up by about one third on the week. scotland are doing it slightly differently unpublished they are daily yesterday. they are prioritising people in care homes so they are 90% of the way they are so progress is continuing apace for getting the most vulnerable people vaccinated. a slight wrinkle in england may be is that in london we are still a lag, so about 80% of the over 805 across england have received the first dose of the vaccine but in london that figure is a good bit lower, down at about 64%

so maybe further to go there. find so maybe further to go there. and how much detail can we get about breakdown across ethnicities? the data that we _ breakdown across ethnicities? tie: data that we have got breakdown across ethnicities? tt9: data that we have got probably doesn't get is that much further than the open safety study that was talked about earlier this morning, because what the nhs have published in the data today is how many people in the data today is how many people in every different ethnic group have received the first dose of the vaccine, but the trouble is that if we are targeting over 805, the black community, asian people, there are fewer people in those groups who are over the age of 80, so just looking overall at how many in that community have received the vaccine doesn't really give us a sense of what the uptake is like or what the coverage is like, so unfortunately it is a start to the data but is not really solving the problems which are complicated by the suggestion of

vaccine hesitancy in some communities.— vaccine hesitancy in some communities. :, ,, , . communities. thank you very much. all the latest _ communities. thank you very much. all the latest figures _ communities. thank you very much. all the latest figures that _ communities. thank you very much. all the latest figures that have i all the latest figures that have just come through. let's discuss the uptake generally with maurice mcleod, ceo of. race on the agenda is social policy thinktank focusing on issues that affect black, asian and the minority ethnic population — i'm joined by their ceo and labour councillor — maurice mcleod. your thoughts on the uptake, i hope you're able to hear that, but your thoughts on take—up of the vaccine thus far. t thoughts on take-up of the vaccine thus far. :, thoughts on take-up of the vaccine thus far. ., :, thus far. i did here and i thought he made some _ thus far. i did here and i thought he made some really _ thus far. i did here and i thought he made some really good i thus far. i did here and i thought. he made some really good points. while we are talking about vaccine hesitancy, and i think it is good to be aware of levels of trust in particular communities, we need to be clear about who has been actually offered the vaccine so far and making sure that areas with large bame communities are getting the supplies they need. london is

lagging behind some of the places in terms of the percentage of people who have been offered or have taken the vaccine, so we need to be a little bit careful when we talk about hesitancy, i think. about hesitancy, ithink. london, i think robert _ about hesitancy, ithink. london, i think robert was _ about hesitancy, ithink. london, i think robert was talking _ about hesitancy, ithink. london, i think robert was talking about i think robert was talking about people over the age of 80, so it is a high proportion for much of the country so but more like 64% in london. that is an interesting discrepancy but would be fascinating to know why. from all the work you do and from people you talk to, as they're absolutely no doubt in your mind that there is hesitancy in some quarters? there are some people who could potentially be phoned up and say, great news, comfreyjab next week and they just say, great news, comfreyjab next week and theyjust don't say, great news, comfreyjab next week and they just don't want to say, great news, comfreyjab next week and theyjust don't want to do it? to week and they 'ust don't want to do it? :, , :, , ~ ., it? to be honest, i think there are --eole it? to be honest, i think there are people from _ it? to be honest, i think there are people from that _ it? to be honest, i think there are people from that -- _ it? to be honest, i think there are people from that -- like _ it? to be honest, i think there are people from that -- like that i it? to be honest, i think there are people from that -- like that from people from that —— like that from all communities. it is a new drug and it is understandable people are and it is understandable people are a little bit nervous and there is

unfortunately a lot of misinformation flying about on the internet. but talking about black communities in particular there are reasons why they could be a bit cautious when it comes to dealing with the health system or any system, to be honest. as i think was said earlier, black women are five times more likely to die in childbirth than white counterparts, five times more likely to be sectioned in the mental health service than white counterparts. so there is a history of built—up mistrust, i am afraid, when it comes to dealing with health services. find to dealing with health services. and ou have to dealing with health services. and you have articulated that so clearly. what could be done and what would you like to see done to get the word out to everyone, wherever they are, whoever they are, when the time is right for them to get their inoculation, how can the message gets through given the lack of trust you are describing? t gets through given the lack of trust you are describing?— you are describing? i think one of the thins

you are describing? i think one of the things that _ you are describing? i think one of the things that needs _ you are describing? i think one of the things that needs to - you are describing? i think one of the things that needs to happen l you are describing? i think one of| the things that needs to happen is we need to realise how trust works. we trust the people we know, the people you see every day. a lot more funding, a lot more of the emphasis needs to go on local gps. these are the people you know that you see every week when you go and see them. that is where the government should be, i think, focusing its funding, and especially in deprived areas local health services have been underfunded for years, so we are not even starting from a level playing point. even starting from a level playing oint. : even starting from a level playing oint, : ., , .,~' , even starting from a level playing oint. : . , .,~ , ~ ., point. and heartbreakingly we know that members _ point. and heartbreakingly we know that members of— point. and heartbreakingly we know that members of the _ point. and heartbreakingly we know that members of the bame - point. and heartbreakingly we know. that members of the bame community are more at risk and we have talked about that so many times over the course of the pandemic. more likely to be on front line jobs and jobs where you can't work from home, that is all true, isn't it?— is all true, isn't it? absolutely. there is so _ is all true, isn't it? absolutely. there is so much _ is all true, isn't it? absolutely. there is so much data - is all true, isn't it? absolutely. there is so much data now- is all true, isn't it? absolutely. l there is so much data now about is all true, isn't it? absolutely. i there is so much data now about why this figure of four times, black people orfour times more this figure of four times, black people or four times more likely to

die than white people, but most of it seemingly is down to where we live, how we work, how we were not protected especially in the early days, so there is a lot of number crunching to go on and we shouldn't take things at face value sometimes. we have to leave it there, thank you very much for your time. nearly1 in 3 police officers in england and wales have reported having coronavirus used against them as a weapon. 32% of officers who replied to a police federation survey said someone they believed to be infected had threatened to breathe or cough on them. this from our home affairs correspondent daniel sandford. this is the first published survey, the largest published survey, of what it has been like to police the pandemic. it is a survey of members of the police federation of england and wales, so that its constables, sergeants and inspectors in england and wales. they managed to get responses from one in ten officers in england and wales saw a very

large sample size, so what they discovered is that police officers who have been out on the front line in the pandemic, 32% of them had experienced a situation where someone who they thought had the virus had threatened to breathe or cough on them, 30% had experienced someone threatening to spit on them, and 21% said someone had actually tried to spit on them. there has also been some mental health issues. for example two out of every five officers in the six months during which the survey had been taken was at some point in the same place as somebody who had died from natural causes. of course, many of them people who had died from covid—19. very often police officers have been attending where people died from covid—19 at home. the survey also asked police officers whether they had actually had covid—19. 3% had had a positive test but it found that 23% said they believed, either because of their own suspicion or

medical advice, that they had had covid—19. in the early days of the pandemic it was not possible for everyone to have a test, and many officers feel that they did get the _ virus in those early days of the pandemic. beyond the coronavirus itself, police officers also reporting the attempts to attack them in the last year. 55% said they had suffered an unarmed attack, 19% said they had suffered an attack with what could have been a lethal weapon. a licencing hearing has been told how the singer rita ora's team offered a restaurant £5,000 to break lockdown rules for her 30th birthday. police also said the pop star's security team asked for cctv cameras to be turned off during the party at casa cruz, in notting hill, on the 28th of november during the second virus lockdown. cctv hard drives were wiped two days later, the hearing at kensington and chelsea council was told. the licensing committee is considering whether to revoke the resaura nt�*s licence.

the licensing committee is considering whether to revoke the restaura nt�*s licence. we will talk more about one of our main stories, borisjohnson visiting scotland today. he has emphasised the strength of the uk working together in the fight against covid. the snp said the prime minister was panicking as opinion polls showed growing support for independence, and scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeon, has questioned whether his trip is "essential". meanwhile, the finance secretary kate forbes has been delivering the scottish government's spending plans for the next financial year.

it is not just it is notjust the pandemic that has taken its toll on scotland's�*s economy. the wrecking ball of a dismal brexit dealers compounding matters so today's budget will help bring much—needed support and stability to ensure our economy recovers and we protect those who have been hit the hardest. our approach continues to target support in the immediate term as well as tracking a course over the coming years to build a fairer, stronger and greener economy. fundamental it focuses on three key priorities. creating jobs and a sustainable economy, responding to the health pandemic and tackling inequalities. it is a time of great fiscal uncertainty. in the absence of a uk budget much of the information we need to plan with certainty is missing. we must persevere with a budget based on a partial settlement, left waiting until the uk budget to see the full hand being dealt to us. i have repeatedly welcomed the additional covid

funding, largely borrowed, provided by the uk government. i do so again, but i also have a duty as finance secretary to make the case forcefully when i believe more is required. that is £21 billion sitting in the uk's covid reserve. our share of that funding would help meet the ongoing needs of our businesses, nhs and other public services, and in the interests of providing certainty and based on the balance of consequential is received to date, i have made a prudent funding assumption and allocated £500 million against what we expect to flow to us from that covid reserve next year.— to flow to us from that covid reserve next year. that was 'ust art of reserve next year. that was 'ust part of what fl reserve next year. that was 'ust part of what kate i reserve next year. that was 'ust part of what kate forbes i reserve next year. that was just part of what kate forbes said i reserve next year. that was just part of what kate forbes said in | reserve next year. that was just . part of what kate forbes said in the holyrood a little earlier this afternoon. well, let's get reaction. with me now is the scottish conservatives' finance spokesperson murdo fraser. good afternoon. good afternoon. one ofthe good afternoon. good afternoon. one of the things — good afternoon. good afternoon. one of the things kate _ good afternoon. good afternoon. one of the things kate forbes _ good afternoon. good afternoon. one of the things kate forbes called - good afternoon. good afternoon. one of the things kate forbes called for i of the things kate forbes called for was more notice about the furlough scheme, due to expire at the end of

april, and she made the point that businesses need to plan. they need to know what's happening. that is a fair point, isn't it? yes to know what's happening. that is a fair point, isn't it?— fair point, isn't it? yes indeed, and the furlough _ fair point, isn't it? yes indeed, and the furlough scheme - fair point, isn't it? yes indeed, and the furlough scheme has l fair point, isn't it? yes indeed, - and the furlough scheme has already been extended several times and i am sure the _ been extended several times and i am sure the chancellor will be taking these _ sure the chancellor will be taking these views into account, but at the same _ these views into account, but at the same time — these views into account, but at the same time there are huge resources going _ same time there are huge resources going into _ same time there are huge resources going into the scottish government and the _ going into the scottish government and the current financial year, an extra _ and the current financial year, an extra £86 — and the current financial year, an extra £8.6 billion, and a lot of these — extra £8.6 billion, and a lot of these funds are not being paid out by the _ these funds are not being paid out by the scottish government to businesses as quickly as they should be, businesses as quickly as they should he, and _ businesses as quickly as they should be, and businesses across scotland want to _ be, and businesses across scotland want to see — be, and businesses across scotland want to see from this finance secretary— want to see from this finance secretary and the budget they have seen today a real commitment to make sure that _ seen today a real commitment to make sure that very large and substantial support— sure that very large and substantial support coming from the uk government, being channelled through the scottish government, is actually getting _ the scottish government, is actually getting out to those in need, because _ getting out to those in need, because at the moment it is simply not happening. she because at the moment it is simply not happening-— not happening. she would also say she is having _ not happening. she would also say she is having to _ not happening. she would also say she is having to deliver _ not happening. she would also say she is having to deliver the - she is having to deliver the statement at a very difficult time, before the main budget but we are expecting which isn't happening now until march. , , ., ,

until march. yes, but we had exactly the situation — until march. yes, but we had exactly the situation last _ until march. yes, but we had exactly the situation last year _ until march. yes, but we had exactly the situation last year and _ until march. yes, but we had exactly the situation last year and it - the situation last year and it didnt— the situation last year and it didn't stop the scottish government and other— didn't stop the scottish government and other devolved administrations bringing _ and other devolved administrations bringing forward budgets. the budget for the _ bringing forward budgets. the budget for the coming financial year will be for the coming financial year will he the _ for the coming financial year will be the largest budget that any scottish government has ever had to deal with— scottish government has ever had to deal with in— scottish government has ever had to deal with in more than 20 years of devolution — deal with in more than 20 years of devolution. there is plenty of money they are _ devolution. there is plenty of money they are and what we need to do is make _ they are and what we need to do is make sure — they are and what we need to do is make sure that money is spent as effectively — make sure that money is spent as effectively as possible to build up our economy. we were told today by economic_ our economy. we were told today by economic experts that the scottish economy— economic experts that the scottish economy is not likely to recover to tire-covid — economy is not likely to recover to pre—covid levels before 2024, so our argument _ pre—covid levels before 2024, so our argument is, — pre—covid levels before 2024, so our argument is, all of the resources should _ argument is, all of the resources should he — argument is, all of the resources should be put into economic recovery are not— should be put into economic recovery are not wasted arguing for another independence referendum, which is the worst— independence referendum, which is the worst possible diversion from trying _ the worst possible diversion from trying to— the worst possible diversion from trying to get the country and economy— trying to get the country and economy back on track. gn trying to get the country and economy back on track. on which note, economy back on track. on which note. was — economy back on track. on which note. was the — economy back on track. on which note, was the prime _ economy back on track. on which note, was the prime minister's i economy back on track. on which i note, was the prime minister's visit this morning essential, does it count as essential travel? boris johnson count as essential travel? boris johnson is _ count as essential travel? boris johnson is the _ count as essential travel? boris johnson is the prime _ count as essential travel? boris johnson is the prime minister i count as essential travel? boris | johnson is the prime minister of count as essential travel? boris johnson is the prime minister of the united _ johnson is the prime minister of the united kingdom and i think he is quite _ united kingdom and i think he is quite entitled to travel around any

part of— quite entitled to travel around any part of the — quite entitled to travel around any part of the united kingdom, and in particular— part of the united kingdom, and in particular when he is talking about the roll—out of the vaccination programme, visiting factory today that will— programme, visiting factory today that will be manufacturing new vaccines — that will be manufacturing new vaccines. i think that is an essential— vaccines. i think that is an essential part of the job of the prime — essential part of the job of the prime minister and one of the issues here in— prime minister and one of the issues here in scotland as we are lagging far behind — here in scotland as we are lagging far behind england when it comes to getting _ far behind england when it comes to getting these vaccines out to people in need _ getting these vaccines out to people in need so _ getting these vaccines out to people in need so i — getting these vaccines out to people in need so i hope this will be a wake-up— in need so i hope this will be a wake—up call to nicola sturgeon and the scottish government that they need to— the scottish government that they need to do much more to deliver vaccines— need to do much more to deliver vaccines to — need to do much more to deliver vaccines to those in need. if they could _ vaccines to those in need. if they could even— vaccines to those in need. if they could evenjust match vaccines to those in need. if they could even just match what vaccines to those in need. if they could evenjust match what is happening south of the border that would _ happening south of the border that would he _ happening south of the border that would be a major boost. but happening south of the border that would be a major boost.— would be a ma'or boost. but the visit wasn-t — would be a major boost. but the visit wasn't really _ would be a major boost. but the visit wasn't really about - would be a major boost. but the visit wasn't really about the - visit wasn't really about the vaccines, was it? it was about looming elections and fears of a further push for a referendum? i can't imagine anything worse for scotland — can't imagine anything worse for scotland under economy at the present— scotland under economy at the present time than for there to be another— present time than for there to be another push for an independence referendum just six and a half years after the _ referendum just six and a half years after the last one, which the snp told us _ after the last one, which the snp told us was a once in a generation vote _ told us was a once in a generation vote i_ told us was a once in a generation

vote ithink— told us was a once in a generation vote. i think the prime minister is quite _ vote. i think the prime minister is quite right— vote. i think the prime minister is quite right to make the point that what _ quite right to make the point that what we — quite right to make the point that what we need to focus on right now is economic— what we need to focus on right now is economic recovery, saving jobs and getting businesses back on their feet are _ and getting businesses back on their feet are not the distraction of years— feet are not the distraction of years and _ feet are not the distraction of years and years more of divisive constitutional turmoil. we years and years more of divisive constitutional turmoil.— constitutionalturmoil. we must leave it there, _ constitutionalturmoil. we must leave it there, thank _ constitutionalturmoil. we must leave it there, thank you - constitutionalturmoil. we must leave it there, thank you for - constitutional turmoil. we must l leave it there, thank you for your time for now. we just have one more wejust have one more item we just have one more item to wejust have one more item to bring you before the weather prospects. singing has come to an end during the pandemic, in public anyway. but the english national opera is offering a singing therapy programme to people who are suffering with long—covid, which can cause breathlessness, anxiety and fatigue. our arts correspondent, david sillito has been finding out how it works. she sings lullaby. sing it with me. when it comes to zoom meetings, this is as stress—free as it gets. a lullaby, some singing, and a lesson... i am breathing in ten. ..in breathing. i am breathing out ten.

practice voice exercises. wonderful! and this is what it is all about, these vocal exercises i am being given to do our part of the breathe programme, and taking me through my paces is suzi zumpe from english national opera, who has a vital area of expertise. breathing. it's one of the things that's really hard if you've been unwell for a long time, is that you've potentially never been particularly conscious of how you breathed when you were well, then it's been a struggle, and so getting back to what normal feels like when it isn't something that you are terribly conscious of remembering is already difficult. sheba was hospitalised in march and since then has spent months isolated, anxious and breathless. could you have ever imagined that, essentially, singing teaching could have helped? not in my wildest dreams, no, not at all. this connected me with my flock

of fellow sufferers but in the most positive and musical way. this pilot programme is now being extended to another 1,000 long—covid patients. the evidence so far suggests it's helping people recoverfaster. with use of the lullabies that calm the patients and with use of the exercises that they do in between the classes, we can see that people's breathing patterns are better. # summertime and the... # but it's also about more than breathing. music can be healing in many ways. # fish arejumping...#. david sillito, bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with stav. after a very wet night it has been

an improving sort of day with a lot of brightness across southern and central areas before more rain later on and with all this rain we are looking at very mild conditions pushing up from the south—west away from central and northern scotland, we will see further hills know they are through the day. some heavy bursts over night followed by some showers and clear spells in the south and further accumulations of snow likely across the hills of scotland, further south the risk of rain as another mild night. friday starts off pretty showery across southern areas, further rain and hill snow across the north but are gradually improving day for many with a legacy of cloud left in the north and spots of rain in the weather front and showers tend to ease, a bit of brightness in places but mild in the far south, colder in the north but spreading southwards and that will lead to a very cold weekend for all areas and the risk of rain, sleet and snow in the south and west.

this is bbc news i'mjane hill. the headlines: the prime minister visits scotland, saying it's important mark the uk works together in the fight against coronavirus — but the first minister had already questioned the need for the visit. me travelling from edinburgh to aberdeen to visit a vaccination centre right now is not essential and borisjohnson travelling from london to wherever in scotland he's going to do the same is not essential. i know as prime minister of the whole country, to thank our working officials and public servants across the whole of britain who are doing fantastic work. scientists say they're disappointed that covid infections aren't falling quickly enough in england to ease pressure on hospitals. public health england defends

the astrazeneca vaccine after germany says it will not recommend giving it to the over—65s. the government insists there will be no interruption to the uk's vaccine supplies from astrazeneca, in a continuing row with the eu about a supply shortage. singing and, how singing classes can help people cope with the breathlessness and fatigue that comes with long covid. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. on a visit to scotland, the prime minister has thanked nhs staff and emphasised the importance of the uk working together in tackling coronavirus. scotland's first minister nicola sturgeon has questioned whether it's

right for borisjohnson to be travelling round the country in the middle of a pandemic. downing street says its a fundamental part of the pm's job to meet people on the front line. the trip comes amid growing calls for another scottish independence referendum. our scotland correspondent james shaw reports. borisjohnson arriving for the start of his visit to scotland at the queen elizabeth university hospital in glasgow, despite a warning from nicola sturgeon yesterday that the rules against nonessential travel apply to everyone, including political leaders. is it really, really essential? that's the test. and i would say me travelling from edinburgh to aberdeen to visit a vaccination centre right now is not essential and borisjohnson travelling from london to wherever in scotland he's going to do the same is not essential. but borisjohnson and his cabinet colleagues insist it is right to point out that the uk government has made a big contribution

to the fight against the virus in scotland. there are 80 new vaccination centres that are opening in scotland as a result of the british army's efforts. i think it's only right that the prime minister goes to the front line, learns from those who are responsible from the vaccine roll—out and also make sure that we do even better. you know, that is part of the job of any leader, to thank those who are making a difference in keeping us safe, but also to hear direct and unvarnished what we can do to make sure that the delivery is even better. over the course of the pandemic, there have been tensions between the different parts of the country, but this feels different. it has all got a bit more political and there's a simple reason for that — scottish elections in just three months�* time. and this particular election is vitally important to both first minister and prime minister. just as the pandemic might be starting to ease,

the future of the uk will once again be in question. two polls now have confirmed that around one in five of those people who voted no in 2014 are amongst those who say that maybe scotland would have handled the pandemic better as an independent country and it's also clear from that same polling that at least half of this group, probably slightly more, are no longer supporters of no, they're now supporters of yes, so it does look as though that stark differential perception of how the scottish government has handled the pandemic and how the uk government has done has added another notch to the widening support for independence. these are just the opening shots being exchanged by the conservatives and the snp ahead of polling day at the start of may. both nichola sturgeon and borisjohnson are formidable campaigners but it could be a long and gruelling campaign for both.

this afternoon mrjohnson has been visiting valneva, a manufacturing site in livingston. he was asked by reporters about the question of scottish independence. | i don't think the right thing to do| is to talk endlessly about another referendum when i think- what the people of the country and what i think the people i of scotland want in particular is for us to fight this pandemic. as i say, it's great to see everything that scotlandl is contributing to the national effort, it's quite amazing, - and i think what people - want to see is us bouncing back more strongly together. i don't see the advantage l of getting lost in pointless constitutional wrangling when, after all, we had a referenduml not so very long ago. if people keep voting for a referendum, however frustrating you might find that,

who are you to stand in the way from the people having that second choice? don't forget, the very same people who make the point that you just . made and go on and on about another referendum also said only a few - years ago in 2014 that this - was a once in a generation event and that was... i am inclined to stick- with what they said last time and i genuinely look at what's going on here, we have - fantastic effort being made by scottish scientists, - by scottish vaccination operation i to protect the whole of the country. that's what people want. you've got the british army working | to protect the whole of the countryl and i think we should come together as a country, get through this - pandemic and bounce back even stronger and that's . where our focus should be. our political correspondent

nick eardleyjoins me. we nick eardley 'oins me. had the prime minister ther saying we had the prime minister there saying the united kingdom should come _ saying the united kingdom should come together in the middle of this pandemic — come together in the middle of this andemic. .., ., ,, ., ., pandemic. nicola sturgeon made it clear she didn't _ pandemic. nicola sturgeon made it clear she didn't think _ pandemic. nicola sturgeon made it clear she didn't think his _ pandemic. nicola sturgeon made it clear she didn't think his trip - pandemic. nicola sturgeon made it clear she didn't think his trip to - clear she didn't think his trip to scotland was necessary?- clear she didn't think his trip to scotland was necessary? there has been a row — scotland was necessary? there has been a row over— scotland was necessary? there has been a row over whether _ scotland was necessary? there has been a row over whether boris - been a row over whether boris johnson's trip from london to glasgow this morning was essential. number ten says yes, it absolutely is, he is the prime minister of the whole of the uk. nicola sturgeon is saying politicians have to lead by example and she didn't think it was definitely essential. but i suppose one of the arguments some on the unionists would make it as it is pretty essential they start to get their argument over a bit more forcefully. because all of the polls over the last six months have suggested that support for independence in scotland is now higher than support for the union. there has been a lot of head

scratching in the uk government about what to do about that. i think you got a flavour about what the plan is from borisjohnson. yes, they are going to say no to a referendum, but ministers need to say a bit more than know and need to make a more positive case for the future of the uk. borisjohnson is going to base that all on covid recovery by saying, look at the things we can do together when it comes to vaccines, testing, economic support. the hope there is that might win back some of that support for the union. but the polling for the pro—uk site is not good at all. 0k, the pro—uk site is not good at all. ok, thank you for that. as borisjohnson continued his visit to scotland, the devolved government set out its budget plans for the coming year. the finance secretary kate forbes says there would be no changes to income tax rates and she pledged extra funding forjobs and skills. it is notjust the pandemic that has taken its toll

on scotland's�*s economy. the wrecking ball of a dismal brexit deal is compounding matters so today's budget will help bring much—needed support and stability to ensure our economy recovers and we protect those who have been hit the hardest. our approach continues to target support in the immediate term as well as tracking a course over the coming year to build a fairer, stronger and greener economy. fundamental it focuses on three key priorities. creating jobs and a sustainable economy, responding to the health pandemic and tackling inequalities. it is a time of great fiscal uncertainty. in the absence of a uk budget much of the information we need to plan with certainty is missing. we must persevere with a budget based on a partial settlement, left waiting until the uk budget to see the full hand being dealt to us. i have repeatedly welcomed the additional covid funding, largely borrowed, provided by the uk government.

i do so again, but i also have a duty as finance secretary to make the case forcefully when i believe more is required. there is £21 billion sitting in the uk's covid reserve. our share of that funding would help meet the ongoing needs of our businesses, nhs and other public services, and in the interests of providing certainty and based on the balance of consequentials received to date, i have made a prudent funding assumption and allocated £500 million against what we expect to flow to us from that covid reserve next year. i'm joined by tom arthur, he's the scottish national party member of the scotish parliament for renfrewshire south. thanks forjoining us. do you agree with this budget? do you think it is the right set of policies given we are in the middle of a pandemic? i are in the middle ofa pandemic? i do, absolutely. this is the most important budget that has taken

place since creating the scottish parliament in 1999. we are almost a year to the day when the first case of covid was detected within the uk and we are very much still in the grip of this international pandemic. this budget seems to provide stability and continuity, but it is about laying the groundwork for the future, the recovery after covid and the longer term objectives of meeting our climate change objectives. meeting our climate change objectives-— meeting our climate change ob'ectives. ., ., objectives. you say looking to the future, objectives. you say looking to the future. some _ objectives. you say looking to the future, some might _ objectives. you say looking to the future, some might suggest - objectives. you say looking to the future, some might suggest it - objectives. you say looking to the future, some might suggest it is. future, some might suggest it is looking to an independent future, no tax changes and extra spending for jobs and skills, how sustainable is that? ., . ., , .,. that? one of the challenges we face with the scottish _ that? one of the challenges we face with the scottish budget _ that? one of the challenges we face with the scottish budget right - that? one of the challenges we face with the scottish budget right now, | with the scottish budget right now, we have not had a uk budget, so we are doing this partially blind, it

is an incomplete, partial picture and we are doing it with one hand tied behind our back. on the question of tax, given the position we are in now, we need to be looking towards recovery in the current year. this is essential and we need increased investment particularly in jobs and skills if we seek to transition in a de—carbonised economy and rewards in a greener future. d0 economy and rewards in a greener future. ,, , economy and rewards in a greener future. i. , .,, economy and rewards in a greener future. , ., future. do you believe, as nicola sturueon future. do you believe, as nicola sturgeon suggested, _ future. do you believe, as nicola sturgeon suggested, the - future. do you believe, as nicola sturgeon suggested, the prime i sturgeon suggested, the prime minister did not have to visit scotland today, that it was an unnecessary trip? i scotland today, that it was an unnecessary trip?— scotland today, that it was an unnecessary trip? i don't think and the majority _ unnecessary trip? i don't think and the majority of _ unnecessary trip? i don't think and the majority of people _ unnecessary trip? i don't think and the majority of people in _ unnecessary trip? i don't think and the majority of people in scotland | the majority of people in scotland regarded as a needed trip. we are asking people to stay at home and they should be leading by example. politicians should only make trips when absolutely necessary. we

recognise and respect the right of the prime minister to visit scotland but i don't think any reasonable person can regard this trip is essential and it seemed like he was filling a political agenda. that bud . et as filling a political agenda. that budget as part _ filling a political agenda. that budget as part of— filling a political agenda. that budget as part of a _ filling a political agenda. that budget as part of a political calculation, some might suggest. this is about the local elections coming up, it isn't about the future beyond that? we coming up, it isn't about the future beyond that?— beyond that? we have holyrood elections coming _ beyond that? we have holyrood elections coming up _ beyond that? we have holyrood elections coming upjust - beyond that? we have holyrood elections coming upjust over i beyond that? we have holyrood i elections coming upjust over three elections coming up just over three months�* time and that would be in a position to debate —— opportunity to debate things fully. we need to put forward a budget that can help support the people of scotland, our economy, health service through the pandemic. also set us on the right path towards recovery when we are in a position to start lifting restrictions and resume normal economic activity.— restrictions and resume normal

economic activity. thank you for 'oinin: economic activity. thank you for joining us- _ breaking news and the latest figures, it is 1239 new deaths, sadly on thursday. that is down on 1725 for the previous 24—hour period. so the number of deaths, thankfully coming down. the numbers of new cases, numbers of new infections is 28,680 new cases. that is in the latest 24—hour period. 1239 new deaths recorded, compared to 1725 in the previous 24—hour period. on 28,680 new infections. scientists tracking the spread of coronavirus in england say they�*re disappointed that infections aren�*t coming down enough to help

ease the pressure on the nhs, with demand for critical care beds still rising. the latest study by imperial college london shows a decline in the infection rate in london, the south east and south west, but signs of a slight rise in the east midlands. dr mike tildesley from the university of warwick is a member of the sage subgroup, the scientific pandemic influenza group on modelling — known as spi—m. the group provides advice on epidemiology and infectious disease modelling to the uk government. thank you forjoining us. what do you make of these figures that do suggest that infections are coming down, but it is like being on an escalator, ratherthan down, but it is like being on an escalator, rather than a lift? unfortunately, that is the case. yes, there are cautiously good signs and things are moving in the right direction, particularly in the south. in south—eastern greater london, there is evidence that r is

quite a bit below one. the cases have come down quite a lot across the last couple of weeks. we are not seeing that reflected in the pressure on hospitals and on the number of deaths. but that is going to take a little bit of time. things are moving the right way and hopefully over the next couple of weeks we can start seeing those coming down in the north and the midlands as well. i think it is going to be a little bit of time where we can be in the position of easing out of lockdown. we need r quite a bit below one so it is at a low enough level so we can start to cautiously relax. that low enough level so we can start to cautiously relax.— cautiously relax. at what point will the vaccine — cautiously relax. at what point will the vaccine programme _ cautiously relax. at what point will the vaccine programme kick- cautiously relax. at what point will the vaccine programme kick into i the vaccine programme kick into these figures as well? that the vaccine programme kick into these figures as well?— these figures as well? that is a aood these figures as well? that is a good point- _ these figures as well? that is a good point. this _ these figures as well? that is a good point. this is _ these figures as well? that is a good point. this is going - these figures as well? that is a good point. this is going to - these figures as well? that is a | good point. this is going to take these figures as well? that is a i good point. this is going to take a while. we need to remember the figures that are reported with the vaccine efficacy is focused around developing symptoms. there is a little bit more uncertainty over

some on�*s role in transmission if they have been vaccinated. it is possible some people may be infected but don�*t develop as severe symptoms if they are vaccinated. if that�*s the case, cases won�*t come down in the case, cases won�*t come down in the same way when people are vaccinated, but what we will see hopefully is the pressure being relieved of the hospitals. it�*s going to take a while, probably not into march will to see vaccination having an effect on hospitalisation and death. that is why we need to cautiously ease out of restrictions when that happens.— cautiously ease out of restrictions when that happens. thank you for 'oinin: when that happens. thank you for joining us- — germany covid committee said the job should only be given to people under 65. the move comes as eu countries face vaccine shortages and criticism over the pace of vaccination. i am joined by professor adam fenn,

professor of paediatrics at the university of bristol. thank you for joining us. when you heard this news coming out of germany, what did you think? , ., ., , think? the first thing i heard was from a colleague _ think? the first thing i heard was from a colleague in _ think? the first thing i heard was from a colleague in germany - think? the first thing i heard was| from a colleague in germany that this is a leak so we are not absolutely sure that is what they are going to say, they are still discussing it. ithink are going to say, they are still discussing it. i think we should be reporting a bit cautiously because we�*re not sure if it really true. let�*s assume that it is. the equivalence of let�*s assume that it is. the equivalence oijvi in germany. what they are saying is they don�*t want to use the astrazeneca vaccine in the over 65. that reflects the fact that up until this point there is a relatively small number of elderly people in that study you have come through and developed covid. there is limited evidence on efficacy in

that age group. it is not really news, this isn�*t, if you like, news to us because we have already seen this data and we know how well the vaccine works. if this data and we know how well the vaccine works.— vaccine works. if this is true, uiven vaccine works. if this is true, given all _ vaccine works. if this is true, given all the _ vaccine works. if this is true, given all the caveats, - vaccine works. if this is true, given all the caveats, what i vaccine works. if this is true, - given all the caveats, what would your advice be to the government? we your advice be to the government? , already have advised the government. we have already seen the efficacy data on the astrazeneca vaccine. importantly, we have already seen the evidence on the ability of the vaccine to produce antibody responses in elderly people, which have been published in the lancet. as well as the safety record of the vaccine, we have advised the vaccine should be used in elderly people and thatis should be used in elderly people and that is going on at the moment. we are busy watching to see just how well the vaccine works, but we are confident it will be effective to an extent as will the other vaccines that are being used.— extent as will the other vaccines

that are being used. despite the fact the number _ that are being used. despite the fact the number of _ that are being used. despite the fact the number of over - that are being used. despite the fact the number of over 65 - that are being used. despite the fact the number of over 65 is - that are being used. despite the fact the number of over 65 is in l that are being used. despite the i fact the number of over 65 is in the study conducted by the germans, conducted by astrazeneca, was lower than you would have hoped for. your own studies suggest the creation of antibodies, the efficacy is good enough for it to have some use as far as the over 65 age group is concerned?— far as the over 65 age group is concerned? ., .. , ,, ., far as the over 65 age group is concerned? ., , ,, ., ., concerned? not exactly like that. no studies have — concerned? not exactly like that. no studies have been _ concerned? not exactly like that. no studies have been done _ concerned? not exactly like that. no studies have been done in _ concerned? not exactly like that. no studies have been done in germany. concerned? not exactly like that. no | studies have been done in germany of this vaccine. these are studies we did in the uk. the reason there is limited data at the moment is we didn�*t start recruiting elderly people to the studies until october time. at the time when the last day was done in early december, it had not been very long for those people to be exposed to covid and develop it, which is what you need to observe efficacy. so there is an absence of data at this point and the germans, if this is true, appears to be more cautious about that than we felt we should be given

the emergency, the evidence and data and so on. to the emergency, the evidence and data and so on. ., , . ., ., ., and so on. to be clear, we are not talkin: and so on. to be clear, we are not talking about _ and so on. to be clear, we are not talking about safety, _ and so on. to be clear, we are not talking about safety, we _ and so on. to be clear, we are not talking about safety, we are - and so on. to be clear, we are not| talking about safety, we are talking about efficacy?— about efficacy? exactly, what we know about _ about efficacy? exactly, what we know about this _ about efficacy? exactly, what we know about this vaccine - about efficacy? exactly, what we know about this vaccine is - about efficacy? exactly, what we know about this vaccine is it - about efficacy? exactly, what we i know about this vaccine is it works quite well in young people who have been tested in large numbers. we don�*t know how well it works in the elderly, but we know, as with the other vaccines, elderly, but we know, as with the othervaccines, it elderly, but we know, as with the other vaccines, it is going to work to an extent. we just don�*t know exactly how well. he may remember before all these vaccine started coming through, we were predicting the vaccines were only 50% effective and we were keen to use them. i will predict that as you get older your immune response and ability to get response for these vaccines will fall, notjust astrazeneca, response for these vaccines will fall, not just astrazeneca, but response for these vaccines will fall, notjust astrazeneca, but the others as well. the protection they give will be worth having and rolled out at scale we will see a big impact on the number of

hospitalisations and death. professor, thank you forjoining us. the government has insisted there will be no interruption to uk vaccine supplies from astrazeneca, after the european union demanded doses from the british allocation, in a row about shortages. the shortfall in supplies to the eu, which astrazeneca blames on �*teething problems�*, could be as many as 75 million doses. the eu commission has confirmed that officials in belgium have been investigating an astrazeneca site near brussels, to corroborate claims that there have been problems with production there. nick beake reports from brussels. europe is really struggling to get hold of covid jabs, especially here in spain. in the madrid area, they have had to cancel nearly all vaccine appointments for two weeks. in the french city of strasbourg big delays in protecting people. translation: there is a real feeling of frustration. - there is a very strong demand and an organisation that�*s here and ready but we cannot go to full capacity

because there�*s a lack of vaccines. and it�*s set to get even worse. the european union claims one supplier, the british—swedish vaccine maker astrazeneca, will be delivering 75 million fewer doses than promised over the next two months. the eu is demanding thatjabs made in the uk are diverted to mainland europe to make up the shortfall. when asked about that idea, one senior british minister said there should be no disruption to british supplies. it is the case that the supplies which have been planned, paid for and scheduled should continue, absolutely. there will be no interruption to that. but again, i think that the right approach to take with ourfriends in europe is to make sure that we foster a cooperative dialogue to see how we can do everything we can to help. but the eu is now investigating if astrazeneca jabs made in mainland europe have already been sent in britain�*s direction. it insists it must

receive its fair share. we can and will get doses of the vaccine from the series of plants which are mentioned in the contract and therefore also including those in the united kingdom. the eu and astrazeneca say they are working more closely together to try to sort this out but there are still many specific unanswered questions swirling around. there are plenty of legal and moral arguments being made. what health experts say is the last thing we need is so—called vaccine nationalism, that this is the time for countries to cooperate to get out of the pandemic as quickly as possible. and vaccine specialists point out that increasing production of new products is not an easy business. we are used to seeing delays in complex construction projects similar to this, vaccine production is much more complex than anything we have ever done in the world before, so i think it is completely natural

to have these delays. this row between the uk and the eu is farfrom being resolved. europe is the engine of the global vaccine—making process and countries further afield are asking how these arguments and delays will affect them too. nick beake, bbc news, brussels. with me now is steve bates, he is the chief executive of uk bio industry association, — and is a member of the uk government vaccines task force. thanks forjoining us, it is good to see you. ijust thanks forjoining us, it is good to see you. i just want to pick thanks forjoining us, it is good to see you. ijust want to pick up on something, a point that was made in nick beake�*s piece there about this idea of manufacturing to scale, a vaccine being as complex and as difficult as a huge, any huge construction project. and that inherently means difficulties and problems? it inherently means difficulties and roblems? , , .,

problems? it is, it is a huge challenge- _ problems? it is, it is a huge challenge. i— problems? it is, it is a huge challenge. i stepped - problems? it is, it is a huge challenge. i stepped away i problems? it is, it is a huge i challenge. i stepped away from problems? it is, it is a huge - challenge. i stepped away from the uk government�*s task force. we represent the companies that do this type of thing and it is a biological process and you don�*t know from batch process and you don�*t know from hatch to batch what the yield is going to be. if you can imagine for a farmer trying to predict your harvest before you start, to make sure you have a grain supply year in and year out. the way to do that, you keep a grain supply at the end of the year and use that depending on your harvest. normally you build this up and have it in the system, so we are doing this at optimal speed, the yields are different and the downstream processes are different and when you teach new factories to do this, it takes time. we were lucky in the uk because we had the community very close to oxford so they were the first to be able to learn and astrazeneca have taken the process and ensure that

factories around the world are learning and doing that process at scale which is hard in itself and different from factory to factory. what do you make of the suggestion from the european commission that astrazeneca should be raiding stocks of their vaccine from british sites that are making this stuff? i think the important _ that are making this stuff? i think the important thing _ that are making this stuff? i think the important thing is _ that are making this stuff? i think the important thing is we - that are making this stuff? i think the important thing is we get i that are making this stuff? i think the important thing is we get all i that are making this stuff? i think| the important thing is we get all of the important thing is we get all of the vaccine plants to work at optimal speed to make as many vaccines as possible. i think that you can see global pharmaceutical companies are working in novel ways to make that happen by making you supply change. we have seen that from a french company working with pfizer and biontech to produce more of those faxes. i think astrazeneca are working in a not—for—profit way to teach factories around the world to teach factories around the world to make this and making that happen

at pace is something oxford university could not have done on their own. some of the teams involved in helping astrazeneca to do that is a huge challenge and we should pay tribute to the hard work these people are doing. but it should pay tribute to the hard work these people are doing.— these people are doing. but it very much goes — these people are doing. but it very much goes to _ these people are doing. but it very much goes to the _ these people are doing. but it very much goes to the heart _ these people are doing. but it very much goes to the heart for - these people are doing. but it very much goes to the heart for the i these people are doing. but it very. much goes to the heart for the need of cooperation in dealing with this pandemic globally. we cannot have vaccine nationalism, as such. if there was a shortage of vaccine in there was a shortage of vaccine in the uk, perhaps the government would want to go elsewhere to try and make up want to go elsewhere to try and make up that shortfall? irate want to go elsewhere to try and make up that shortfall?— up that shortfall? we are playing a lona came up that shortfall? we are playing a long game against _ up that shortfall? we are playing a long game against covid _ up that shortfall? we are playing a long game against covid and i up that shortfall? we are playing a long game against covid and it i up that shortfall? we are playing a long game against covid and it is l long game against covid and it is important we build a global system that can produce vaccine to scale at a pace that is needed. we have done well in the uk, and that is because uk companies stepped up very early

to partner before astrazeneca were involved. i am confident factories around the world will get up to pace. but i can understand the immense need for these products and why there is such insistence for them. , ., . ., them. given the fact that the vaccine is _ them. given the fact that the vaccine is really _ them. given the fact that the vaccine is really the - them. given the fact that the vaccine is really the only i them. given the fact that the vaccine is really the only way| them. given the fact that the i vaccine is really the only way out of this pandemic, are you confident that the manufacturing, the skills, the knowledge and know—how is there to produce enough vaccine to get us all globally back on track with our lives, sooner rather than later? i am confident that factories can make this at pace and scale and they are properly regulated. i think the speed at which we can do this takes it to some extent, by global capacity, building a factory is not something you can do overnight. we can make great steps to re—purpose and change the lines that are being made and that is what we have done

in the uk. we have got factories that were not making vaccines to make vaccines and they have done it fast. there is a new site coming on stream with the potentially vaccine there, which will be fantastic. we are seeing more scaling in the us but i think this will be a challenge for some time and how do we work together to get those factories working optimally, as best as we can across the globe? ok. working optimally, as best as we can across the globe?— across the globe? ok, thank you for 'oinin: us. now it�*s time for a look at the weather with stav. hello. after a wet night it has been an improving day. more rain arriving from the west later on. with all this rain we are looking at very mild conditions, pushing up from the south—west away from central and northern scotland and we will see further hills snow here through the day. this evening, this rain band pushes north and east with heavy bursts overnight, followed by showers and clear spells in the

south. further accumulations of snow likely across the hills of scotland. it will be cold with the risk of ice and further south it will be rain because it is going to be another mild night. as we move into friday it is showery and further rain and hill snow across the north. it is a gradually improving day for many. the legacy of cloud left in the north and spots of rain from the weather front of the shower should tend to ease for the south, giving brightness in places. but it will be mild in the far south, cold in the north and that is spreading southwards. it will lead to a cold weekend for all areas with the risk of rain, sleet and snow for the south and the west.

hello this is bbc news. iam i am clive myrie. our top stories. the prime minister visits scotland, saying it�*s important the uk works together in the fight against coronavirus — but the first minister had already questioned the need for the visit. me travelling from edinburgh to aberdeen to visit a vaccination centre right now is not essential. and borisjohnson travelling from london to wherever in scotland he is going to do the same is not essential. in my capacity as prime minister of the whole — in my capacity as prime minister of the whole country, i am here to thank— the whole country, i am here to thank officials and public servants across _ thank officials and public servants across the — thank officials and public servants across the whole of britain who are doing _ across the whole of britain who are doing fantastic work. scientists say they�*re disappointed that covid infections aren�*t falling quickly enough in england to ease

pressure on hospitals. public health england defends the astrazeneca vaccine after germany says it will not recommend giving it to the over—65s. the government insists there will be no interruption to the uk�*s vaccine supplies, in a continuing row with the eu about a supply shortage. sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here�*s chetan. manchester united have condemned the racial abuse directed at their players on social media following last night�*s defeat to sheffield united at old trafford. (oov)the winning defeat to sheffield united at old trafford. the winning goal was defelcted off axel tuanzebe who went on to be substitued in the 83rd minute after starting his first premier league game of the season. abuse was aimed at his and anthony martial�*s instagram accounts with a number of users

posting racist comments and symbols on old photos. manchester united have put out a statement today, saying... that�*s a position the former newcastle goalkeeper shaka hislop, who�*s now honorary president of show racism the red card agrees with. i was involved in a roundtable earlier this week with the department of culture, media and sport about government�*s own responsibility towards dealing and confronting social media companies and the abuse that is allowed to fester on their platforms. just as we link arms, and have linked arms over 25 years in dealing with these issues, i think the moment calls for exactly that same approach and resolve even more today.

new chelsea manager thomas tuchel says he�*s not fearful of the club�*s reputation for sacking managers, following the dismissal of frank lampard on monday. the former psg and dortmund boss has become the 15th manager of the roman abramovich era and took charge of his first game last night, a goalless draw against wolves. it does not scare me. we have big ambition — it does not scare me. we have big ambition. me, myself, i have biggest ambitions _ ambition. me, myself, i have biggest ambitions. i'm very excited about the mixture of the team. i'm very excited _ the mixture of the team. i'm very excited about the structure of the club, _ excited about the structure of the club, and — excited about the structure of the club, and the first days were amazing, _ club, and the first days were amazing, and yeah, i'm absolutely aware _ amazing, and yeah, i'm absolutely aware that, — amazing, and yeah, i'm absolutely aware that, at some point, everybody expects _ aware that, at some point, everybody expects results, but honestly, i'm doing _ expects results, but honestly, i'm doing that — expects results, but honestly, i'm doing that of myself all the time. there�*s a big game tonight, the champions liverpool go to tottenham looking for their first win in five games in the premier league. they�*ve slipped to fifth in the table, only a point above spurs and are 21 points worse off than they were at

this stage last season. but spurs bossjose mourinho says repeating that was always going to be tough. would anybody expect liverpool to have a _ would anybody expect liverpool to have a similar— would anybody expect liverpool to have a similar run _ would anybody expect liverpool to have a similar run as— would anybody expect liverpool to have a similar run as last - would anybody expect liverpool to have a similar run as last season, i have a similar run as last season, winning _ have a similar run as last season, winning and — have a similar run as last season, winning and winning _ have a similar run as last season, winning and winning and - have a similar run as last season, winning and winning and winningl winning and winning and winning nonstop? — winning and winning and winning nonstop? i— winning and winning and winning nonstop? i wouldn't _ winning and winning and winning nonstop? i wouldn't expect i winning and winning and winning| nonstop? i wouldn't expect that, because — nonstop? i wouldn't expect that, because what _ nonstop? i wouldn't expect that, because what they _ nonstop? i wouldn't expect that, because what they did _ nonstop? i wouldn't expect that, because what they did is - nonstop? i wouldn't expect that, because what they did is so i because what they did is so difficult _ because what they did is so difficult that _ because what they did is so difficult that to _ because what they did is so difficult that to win - because what they did is so difficult that to win it - because what they did is so difficult that to win it a i because what they did is so i difficult that to win it a second time _ difficult that to win it a second time in — difficult that to win it a second time in the _ difficult that to win it a second time in the same _ difficult that to win it a second time in the same way- difficult that to win it a second time in the same way is i difficult that to win it a second time in the same way is eveni difficult that to win it a second i time in the same way is even more difficult _ england�*s paul casey is three shots off the lead, after his opening round of the dubai desert classic golf. he birdied the first four holes of his opening round to go to the top of the early leaderboard, but couldn�*t maintain that momentum and ended the day on five under par. scotland�*s robert mcintyre is also at five under with south africa�*s richard sterne a shot clear of the field at eight under par. next to cricket in karachi — where kagiso rabada has taken his 200th test wicket but south africa suffered a late mini—collapse on the third day

of the first test against pakistan. rabada took the wicket of hasan ali to become the third—fastest south african to reach 200. pakistan all out for 378 in the end. but south africa stumbled late on losing three wickets including aiden markram who�*d shared a 127 run partnership with rassie van der dussen. they closed play 187 for 4, a lead of 29 runs. the vendee globe round—the—world sailing race has been won by the man who finshed third, but was given a bonus of more than 10 hours, for his role in rescuing a fellow competitor. yannick bestaven was declared the winner when he arrived in france this morning. he had gone out of his way to help a fellow frenchman, whose boat eventually sank off the cape of good hope during the race in november. the leading british sailor pip hare is expected to finish around the 11th february. labour has called on the government to bring forward the vaccination of teachers alongside

other key workers. the party has already suggested that february half—term could be used to vaccinate school staff. labour�*s deptuy leader angela rayner has told the bbc that she believes teachers are �*more at risk�* from covid — although recent data from the ons school teachers risk is inline with the general population. we can speak to labour�*s shadow health secretary, jonathan ashworth. hello to you. thanks for being with us. do you agree with the deputy leader that teachers are more at risk? ~ .. , ., ., leader that teachers are more at risk? . . . , . . , ~' risk? well, teachers are at risk because they _ risk? well, teachers are at risk because they are _ risk? well, teachers are at risk because they are exposed i risk? well, teachers are at risk because they are exposed to i risk? well, teachers are at risk- because they are exposed to more social mixing. anybody who has to go to work in this lockdown and mix is at a risk of contracting the virus and that becoming very serious for them. so what we are saying is that them. so what we are saying is that the vaccination programme so far has been impressive. it is going really, really well. we are likely to hit

the target of vaccinating the most vulnerable groups by mid—february. ministers have given assurances that vaccine supplies will continue and mmp vaccine supplies will continue and ramp up, and we are expecting good news from other vaccine manufacturers in the coming weeks as well, such asjohnson &johnson, so we�*re suggesting to the government that given that it is a national priority to do everything we can, to leave no stern unturned to get our schools back fully functioning, they are still open —— knows we are suggesting one that use the half term for teachers. the end of the nhs has suggested key workers should be considered prioritising them. the children�*s commissioner herself has suggested it, so we think it is a reasonable constructive proposal to use that half term to give our teacher that vaccination so as part of the overall package of getting our schools open again for all children.

0k, to schools open again for all children. ok, to be clear, you believe a fit and healthy 25—year—old teacher should get the vaccine ahead of someone who is over 50? ida. should get the vaccine ahead of someone who is over 50? no, what we are sa in: someone who is over 50? no, what we are saying is — someone who is over 50? no, what we are saying is that _ someone who is over 50? no, what we are saying is that is _ someone who is over 50? no, what we are saying is that is a... _ someone who is over 50? no, what we are saying is that is a... that _ someone who is over 50? no, what we are saying is that is a... that is i are saying is that is a... that is it, isn't are saying is that is a... that is it. isn't it? _ are saying is that is a... that is it. isn't it? it — are saying is that is a... that is it, isn't it? it will _ are saying is that is a... that is it, isn't it? it will be _ are saying is that is a... that is it, isn't it? it will be for i are saying is that is a... that is it, isn't it? it will be for ch i are saying is that is a... that is it, isn't it? it will be for ch to | it, isn't it? it will be foervi to make sure _ it, isn't it? it will be foervi to make sure we _ it, isn't it? it will be foervi to make sure we continue i it, isn't it? it will be foervi to make sure we continue to i it, isn't it? it will be for ch to | make sure we continue to work through those schedules, and given that we are expecting increased supply of vaccinations, they should not be an either or. at the end of the day, though, this is about leadership. it is about taking tough decisions and not shirking the tough decisions and not shirking the tough decisions as borisjohnson does, and if we think that the implications of children losing almost a year�*s worth of face—to—face learning, the implications for children of not being in school because of their mental health and well—being issues, we know we went into this crisis with a childhood obesity problem, i shudder to think a much worse our childhood obesity problems will be because of children in school not

doing pe and running around the playground and so on. we think it is a national priority to get children back to school, and we could do it, we could do it, but part of that is vaccinating teachers quickly over the school half term. we are doing hundreds of thousands ofjabs a day, it�*s a great success story, and a great success story, we doing hundreds of thousands of day, it can�*t be beyond the wits of the authorities to quickly do all the teachers in that short half term window. ~ ., teachers in that short half term window. ~ . ., ~ teachers in that short half term window. ~ . ., ,, ., ., ., window. we are talking about what, a million teachers, _ window. we are talking about what, a million teachers, if _ window. we are talking about what, a million teachers, if you're _ window. we are talking about what, a million teachers, if you're talking i million teachers, if you�*re talking about key workers, about 6 million. you are convinced we can ramp up to that? ~ ., ., ., ., that? well, were going to have to, we've not that? well, were going to have to, we've got to. _ that? well, were going to have to, we've got to, we've _ that? well, were going to have to, we've got to, we've got _ that? well, were going to have to, we've got to, we've got to - that? well, were going to have to, we've got to, we've got to haven't| we�*ve got to, we�*ve got to haven�*t we, to get out of this lockdown. i�*m not suggesting we do all key workers in the half term, i�*m suggesting the jcvi, which are the committee that make these decisions now start looking at how they begin to prioritise key workers and add those

groups to those areas of priority. in fairness, that is what simon stevens the nhs head was talking about. priti patel says she is trying to get police officers further up that list. gavin williamson therefore has said he was trying to get teachers up that list, so the key workers, there is more exposed to risk because they have to go to work, whether they are taxi drivers or bus drivers, whether they work in certain manufacturing industries or whether they are police officers on the front line, we are saying that the jcvi police officers on the front line, we are saying that thejcvi should now publish plans for when they will get their vaccination as part of the priority schedule, but because schools is such a national priority, we are suggesting that teachers get their vaccination is over that window of the school half term. we will leave it there. joining us. a 53—year—old man from kent has been arrested after a suspicious package was sent to a warehouse in wrexham where the astrazeneca vaccine is manufactured.

the site was partially evacuated whilst a bomb squad was sent in to investigate a suspicious package yesterday. kent police say there is no evidence to suggest there is an ongoing threat. a licencing hearing has been told how the singer rita ora�*s team offered a restaurant £5,000 to break lockdown rules for her 30th birthday. police also said the pop star�*s security team asked for cctv cameras to be turned off during the party at casa cruz, in notting hill, on the 28th of november during the second virus lockdown. cctv hard drives were wiped two days later, the hearing at kensington and chelsea council was told. the licensing committee is considering whether to revoke the resaura nt�*s licence. the stationery chain, paperchase, has been rescued in a deal that will secure around 1,000 jobs. it�*s thought that around 70% of stores will be retained by the new owner. but, 250 jobs at the chain will still be lost. paper chase has blamed the cumulative impact of lockdowns and restrictions

on a collapse in sales. nearly one in three police officers in england and wales have reported having coronavirus used against them as a weapon. 32% of officers who replied to a police federation survey said someone they believed to be infected had threatened to breathe or cough on them. this from our home affairs correspondent daniel sandford. this is the first public survey of what it has been like to police the pandemic. this is a survey of police constables, sergeants and inspectors in england and wales. they managed to get responses from one in ten officers, so a very large sample size, and they discovered police officers who had been out on the front line of the pandemic, 32% of them had experienced a situation where someone who they thought had the virus had threatened to breathe or cough on them. 30% of them had

experienced someone threatening to spit on them, and 21% of them said that someone had actually tried to spit on them. there has also been some mental health issues. for example, two out of every five officers in the six months before the survey was taken at the beginning of december had at some point been in the same point as somebody who had died from natural causes, of course many of them people who had died from covid—19, very often police officers have been attending where people have died from covid—19 at home. so they also asked police officers whether they had actually had covid—19. 3% had had actually had covid—19. 3% had had actually had covid—19. 3% had had a positive test but a further 23% said that they believed either because of their own suspicion or medical advice that they had had covid—19. of course during the early days of the pandemic it wasn�*t possible for everyone to have a test and many officers feel that they did get the virus in those early days of the pandemic. beyond coronavirus

itself, police officers also reporting the attempts to attack them in the last year. 55% said they had suffered an unarmed attack, 19% said they had suffered an attack with what could have been a lethal weapon. the headlines on bbc news... the prime minister visits scotland, saying it�*s important the uk works together in the fight against coronavirus — but the first minister had already questioned the need for the visit. scientists say they�*re disappointed that covid infections aren�*t falling quickly enough in england to ease pressure on hospitals. public health england defends the astrazeneca vaccine after germany says it will not recommend giving it to the over—65s. the government is being urged to do more to encourage people from minority ethnic backgrounds to have a covid vaccination. a study from oxford university and the london school of hygiene

and tropical medicine shows that black people over the age of 80 are half as likely to get the vaccine as their white counterparts. here�*s our community affairs correspondent adina campbell. carmen reed was 79 when she died in november last year after becoming infected with coronavirus while in hospital in birmingham. her niece says the grief of losing a close family member was the main reason why she decided to have the vaccine last week. she was somebody that i spoke to on the phone, you know, nearly every two weeks. and within a few. a week or so, she was just taken. so, that did affect me and it probably affected the family. you realise how... you know, how fragile life is. people from black, asian and other ethnic minority groups are up to four times more likely to die from coronavirus than white people. despite the risks, research suggests

confidence in the vaccine is lower within these communities. there are a number of reasons why some people from black and asian backgrounds seem to be more hesitant about taking the vaccine but one thing we hear time and time again is about a lack of trust. campaigners say the government must take more action, by looking closely at ethnicity data, to understand the vaccine take up among these groups. this concept of hesitancy, we�*ve alljumped onto it only a small proportion have been offered the vaccine. without the data showing who has taken it up we are going to struggle to understand what is going on. the government says it�*s working closely with black, asian and minority ethnic communities who have questions about covid—19 vaccines, which includes working with faith and community leaders to give them advice and information

about the benefits of vaccination. black mps from all parties have now come together in this video, hoping to spread the vaccination message on social media. adina campbell, bbc news. two men involved in organising a mass snowball fight in leeds have each been fined £10,000 for breaching lockdown rules. west yorkshire police says the men, both in their early 20s, were tracked down after hundreds of people gathered for more than two hours on 14th january, and footage of the fight was widely shared on social media. the force described the event as creating "a significant and completely unnecessary risk of increasing the spread of the virus". as parents across the uk continue to grapple with home schooling, one musician is on a mission to help. newton faulkner has produced a studio album with an accompanying book, aimed at improving children�*s literacy, whilst teaching them valuable lessons about life.

"my day" follows a day in the life of a child and includes songs such as "everybody loves breakfast" and "sleepy train". we�*ll speak to newton and his sister lottie, who came up with the idea, shortly, but first let�*s have a listen. # clean your teeth! # they will be shiny and bright. # if you are brushing them right # clean your teeth! # first thing in the morning and the last thing at night # ok, now take out your toothbrush. well, double platinum selling artist newton faulkner and his sister lottiejoin me now. hello to you guys, thanks for being with us. good to see you. first of all, where did the idea come from? well, it started when i was downstairs, and my son was in the bath, and what he was singing to

himself, what i heard coming out of the room was him going, oh, i want to touch your body. and i was like, no, that�*s not what you want. you no, that's not what you want. you want to play _ no, that's not what you want. you want to play with _ no, that's not what you want. you want to play with lego! no, that's not what you want. you | want to play with lego! laughter so after that _ want to play with lego! laughter so after that l _ want to play with lego! laughter so after that i became _ want to play with lego! laughter so after that i became aware i want to play with lego! laughter so after that i became aware of i want to play with lego! laughterl so after that i became aware of the gulf between nursery rhymes and where pop music starts, and it was trying to find a space to operate in and to kind of fill that void. ok. and to kind of fill that void. ok, so lottie. _ and to kind of fill that void. ok, so lottie, the _ and to kind of fill that void. ok, so lottie, the idea _ and to kind of fill that void. ok, so lottie, the idea then basically is to stop kids at home singing gangsta rap?— is to stop kids at home singing gangsta rap? essentially, yeah, basicall , gangsta rap? essentially, yeah, basically. i— gangsta rap? essentially, yeah, basically, i think— gangsta rap? essentially, yeah, basically, i think that _ gangsta rap? essentially, yeah, basically, i think that sums i gangsta rap? essentially, yeah, basically, i think that sums us i gangsta rap? essentially, yeah, i basically, i think that sums us up quite _ basically, i think that sums us up quite nicely. basically, i think that sums us up quite nicely-— basically, i think that sums us up quite nicely. how well has it gone down, quite nicely. how well has it gone down. what _ quite nicely. how well has it gone down, what has _ quite nicely. how well has it gone down, what has the _ quite nicely. how well has it gone down, what has the take - quite nicely. how well has it gone down, what has the take been i quite nicely. how well has it gone i down, what has the take been like? yeah, it�*s been brilliant, it�*s been yeah, it's been brilliant, it's been so nice _ yeah, it's been brilliant, it's been so nice to — yeah, it's been brilliant, it's been so nice to see in lockdown people really _ so nice to see in lockdown people really take — so nice to see in lockdown people really take hold of it, because it's .ot really take hold of it, because it's got lots _ really take hold of it, because it's got lots of— really take hold of it, because it's got lots of things, as well as opening _ got lots of things, as well as opening kids creativity and reading, so it comes — opening kids creativity and reading, so it comes packaged like this, and the cd_ so it comes packaged like this, and the cd comes out and there's other ways— the cd comes out and there's other ways to _ the cd comes out and there's other ways to listen to the music, but we've _ ways to listen to the music, but we've got— ways to listen to the music, but

we've got all the lyrics inside, so it kind _ we've got all the lyrics inside, so it kind of— we've got all the lyrics inside, so it kind of gives independent played to kids _ it kind of gives independent played to kids and parents a bit of a break. — to kids and parents a bit of a break, especially during home school and lockdown. you can put them on with some — and lockdown. you can put them on with some headphones, sit them down reading _ with some headphones, sit them down reading and _ with some headphones, sit them down reading and listening to the music, and it— reading and listening to the music, and it has— reading and listening to the music, and it has felt like we have had quite _ and it has felt like we have had quite a — and it has felt like we have had quite a lot— and it has felt like we have had quite a lot of feedback about parents _ quite a lot of feedback about parents gifting it to other parents whoiust — parents gifting it to other parents whojust need a bit of a break or are struggling, theyjust get it in the post— are struggling, theyjust get it in the post and it is a bit of light relief— the post and it is a bit of light relief for— the post and it is a bit of light relief for the whole family. so it is a way of _ relief for the whole family. so it is a way of making _ relief for the whole family. so it is a way of making home i relief for the whole family. ’sr it is a way of making home schooling interesting and helping the parents out themselves who are frankly just not used to having to deal with it. exactly. newton has been home—schooling a lot and those little _ home—schooling a lot and those little welcome breaks and those little _ little welcome breaks and those little moments of may be a dance break _ little moments of may be a dance break in _ little moments of may be a dance break in the kitchen where you actually — break in the kitchen where you actually stop, have a bit of a laugh and a _ actually stop, have a bit of a laugh and a smile — actually stop, have a bit of a laugh and a smile. it actually stop, have a bit of a laugh and a smile-— actually stop, have a bit of a laugh and a smile. it was musical statues toda . and a smile. it was musical statues today- musical _ and a smile. it was musical statues today. musical statues? _ and a smile. it was musical statues today. musical statues? ok. i and a smile. it was musical statues i today. musical statues? ok. newton, how is home-schooling _ today. musical statues? ok. newton, how is home-schooling going, i today. musical statues? ok. newton, how is home-schooling going, how i how is home—schooling going, how neck ring is it? it�*s how is home-schooling going, how neck ring is it?— neck ring is it? it's all right, it is 'ust neck ring is it? it's all right, it isjust balancing _ neck ring is it? it's all right, it i isjust balancing home-schooling and is just balancing home—schooling and work, so i�*m finishing a record that is coming out later this year, and

balancing that with my nine—year—old son sitting next to me doing his schoolwork while i�*m recording in the studio, i actually think we have found our feet now, the studio, i actually think we have found ourfeet now, we both know where we stand, and it has got a lot easier. �* ., , , where we stand, and it has got a lot easier. �* .,, , ., . . ., where we stand, and it has got a lot easier. �* ., , , ., . . ., ., easier. and the hope is according to the prime minister _ easier. and the hope is according to the prime minister that _ easier. and the hope is according to the prime minister that schools i easier. and the hope is according to the prime minister that schools will| the prime minister that schools will reopen again roughly around early march. are you looking forward to that moment?— march. are you looking forward to that moment? , ., .., that moment? yes, it will mean i can aet more that moment? yes, it will mean i can get more done- _ that moment? yes, it will mean i can get more done- i— that moment? yes, it will mean i can get more done. i mean, _ that moment? yes, it will mean i can get more done. i mean, i— that moment? yes, it will mean i can get more done. i mean, i do - that moment? yes, it will mean i can get more done. i mean, i do really. get more done. i mean, i do really value the extra time with him. i feel like it�*s been really good for our relationship, which is great, it�*s a nice thing. our relationship, which is great, it's a nice thing.— it's a nice thing. you've got to take the positives _ it's a nice thing. you've got to take the positives where i it's a nice thing. you've got to take the positives where you i it's a nice thing. you've got to i take the positives where you can. yeah _ take the positives where you can. yeah. ~ ., ., ., , , yeah. we have got a few seconds left, yeah. we have got a few seconds left. what — yeah. we have got a few seconds left. what is _ yeah. we have got a few seconds left, what is your _ yeah. we have got a few seconds left, what is your best _ yeah. we have got a few seconds left, what is your best selling i yeah. we have got a few seconds. left, what is your best selling song or the most popular song i should say, and can you give us a burst? i reckonjust because it's green, it's our song _ reckonjust because it's green, it's our song about eating vegetables. it our song about eating vegetables. [fl .oes our song about eating vegetables. goes like our song about eating vegetables. it goes like this. #just

# just because it�*s green doesn�*t mean it�*s evil. # just because it�*s green, doesn�*t make it weird. just because it�*s green, doesn�*t mean you should hide underneath, be strong, just because it�*s green. underneath, be strong, 'ust because it's ureen. ., underneath, be strong, 'ust because it's ureen. . ., , , it's green. oh, that was absolutely wonderful. — it's green. oh, that was absolutely wonderful, and _ it's green. oh, that was absolutely wonderful, and so _ it's green. oh, that was absolutely wonderful, and so much _ it's green. oh, that was absolutely wonderful, and so much better- it's green. oh, that was absolutely. wonderful, and so much better than gangsta rap. newton, lottie, it�*s great to talk to you, thanks very much for talking to us on bbc news. thank you. much for talking to us on bbc news. thank ou. ., much for talking to us on bbc news. thank ou. . ., ., much for talking to us on bbc news. thank you._ that i much for talking to us on bbc news. thank you._ that was i thank you. thanks a lot. that was aood. staying with the power of music — because it�*s also being used to help people living with the effects of covid—19. english national opera is offering a singing therapy programme to some of those suffering from what�*s known as "long—covid". our arts correspondent, david sillito has been checking it out. she sings lullaby. sing it with me. when it comes to zoom meetings,

this is as stress—free as it gets. a lullaby, some singing, and a lesson... i am breathing in ten. ..in breathing. i am breathing out ten. they practice voice exercises. wonderful! and this is what it is all about, these vocal exercises i am being given to do our part of the breathe programme, and taking me through my paces is suzi zumpe from english national opera, who has a vital area of expertise. breathing. it�*s one of the things that�*s really hard if you�*ve been unwell for a long time, is that you�*ve potentially never been particularly conscious of how you breathed when you were well, then it�*s been a struggle, and so getting back to what normal feels like when it isn�*t something that you are terribly conscious of remembering is already difficult. sheba was hospitalised in march and since then has

spent months isolated, anxious and breathless. could you have ever imagined that, essentially, singing teaching could have helped? not in my wildest dreams, no, not at all. this connected me with my flock of fellow sufferers but in the most positive and musical way. this pilot programme is now being extended to another 1,000 long—covid patients. the evidence so far suggests it�*s helping people recoverfaster. with use of the lullabies that calm the patients and with use of the exercises that they do in between the classes, we can see that people�*s breathing patterns are better. # summertime and the... # but it�*s also about more than breathing. music can be healing in many ways. # fish arejumping...#. david sillito, bbc news.

now it�*s time for a look at the weather with stav danaos. after a very wet night, conditions have been improving across the day, with some brightness across central and southern parts of the uk. here we have the mild air pumping in from the south—west. it will almost feel springlike in places, given some brightness will stop the cold air holds on, hence why we have this threat of further snow falling over the grampians and the highlands as this by the front continues to stall here for the rest of the day. further south, some brightness, temperatures 13 or 14 degrees. like i said, it will feel almost springlike, but more wet rain waits out in the west, that will push its way northwards and eastwards as we go through this evening and overnight. again, some heavy bursts and places. it is going to merge with the rain band across the north of the uk, bringing further rain,

sleet and somehow snow. further south, it will be rain, with these sorts of temperatures, a fairly mild night in the south versus a cold one in the north with the risk of some ice in places. so friday we start up that rain band with some further hill snow across the north of the uk. furthersouth, clusters of showers but through the day generally on friday it will improve pretty much wherever you are. the rain in the north using down along with the hill snow in the showers in the south also easing, so allow for a little bit of drier and brighter weather. the mile they are becoming confined to the south of country, cold in the north and it will advance southwards. friday into the weekend, some uncertainty on this forecast but it does look as this area of low pressure, this weather front pushes into the cold air across the country we are likely to see increasing amounts of sleet and snow for wales into northern england, the midlands, turning towards east anglia and the south—east. some uncertainty to this but we could see accumulations to lower levels, certainly accumulations across wales, but generally i think in the south—west

where it is milder, it will be of rain. further north though, drier, brighter but cold, with that sunshine, and a pretty cold day for all. it is going to be a very cold night to start sunday, some frost and ice to watch out for, then a repeat performance i think with another weather front trying to push its way northwards and eastwards to bring some sleet. northern ireland, wales, into parts of the midlands too, perhaps accumulations in places but a very cold day for all areas.

this is bbc news i�*m clive myrie. the headlines... the prime minister visits scotland, saying it�*s important the uk works together in the fight against coronavirus — but the first minister had already questioned the need for the visit. me travelling from edinburgh to aberdeen to visit a vaccination centre right now is not essential and borisjohnson travelling from london to wherever in scotland he�*s going to do the same is not essential. i know in my capcity as prime minister of the whole country, to thank our working officials and public servants across the whole of britain who are doing fantastic work. scientists say they�*re disappointed that covid infections aren�*t falling quickly enough in england to ease pressure on hospitals.